This book tackles two central challenges in the discourse on economic inequality. First, there is no consensus on what constitutes a morally acceptable inequality, as even philosophers struggle to conceptualize benchmarks for distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable disparities. Second, while tolerable inequality has the potential to evolve into systemic patterns of polarization, segregation, and discrimination, it can ultimately escalate into unjustifiable inequality. This self-reinforcing cycle complicates efforts to achieve equitable distributions.

The book explores these challenges in two sections through a multidisciplinary lens. Part one discusses distributive justice and philosophical debates surrounding inequality's acceptable boundaries. Part two employs the concept of social aggregationssuch as families, cities, firms, and nationsto examine how even initially tolerable inequality can spread and intensify through interconnected social systems. By emphasizing the relational nature of inequality, the book underscores its systemic complexity and the need for holistic understanding.

Offers a rare and comprehensive perspective on economic inequality Explores economic inequality through a multidisciplinary lens Reveals how interconnected social structures can transform manageable economic disparities into widespread intolerance

Autorentext

Maurizio Bovi, Ph.D., is Senior Scientist at the Italian National Institute of Statistics and Adjunct Professor at Sapienza University of Rome. Former Economic Advisor to the Italian Ministry of Economy, he has published extensively and won the 2008 CIRET Conference’s I. Kerstenetzky Award.

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Part I. Challenge One: No Consensus on What Constitutes Morally Tolerable Economic Inequality.- Chapter 2. Some Preliminary Considerations on Distributive Justice.- Chapter 3. Tolerable Inequality According to Radical Egalitarians.- Chapter 4. Tolerable Inequality According to Desert-Based and Meritocratic Theories.- Chapter 5. Tolerable Inequality According to Utilitarians.- Chapter 6. Tolerable Inequality According to John Rawls.- Chapter 7. Tolerable Inequality According to Amartya Sen.- Part II. Challenge Two: Tolerable Economic Inequality Can Turn Intolerable.- Chapter 8. Economic Inequality and the Family.- Chapter 9. Economic Inequality and the City.- Chapter 10. Economic Inequality and the Firm.- Chapter 11. Economic Inequality and the Nation.