2019/01/01 by Brian Nolan, Luis Valenzuela · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · #Income, Poverty, and Inequality #Economic Theory and Policy #Intergenerational and Educational Inequality Studies
paper · doi:10.1093/oxrep/grz016
openalex publication_date 2019/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/03
Abstract Inequality in the distribution of income and wealth has come to the fore as a core concern across the industrialized world. Here we examine what has happened to income inequality across the rich countries in recent decades. We discuss the range of factors that appear to be driving inequality upwards, notably the role of technological change, globalization, and national institutions and policies. We look at how rising inequality might undermine economic growth and squeeze the middle, and assess the extent to which it has actually done so. We assess whether rising inequality is associated with worsening outcomes and inequalities across various social domains. Finally, we review emerging evidence on the role that rising inequality may be playing in the ‘revolt of the angry’ and rise of populism.