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Inequality and Redistribution: Some Continuing Puzzles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 September 2009

Robert R. Kaufman
Robert R. Kaufman
Affiliation:
Rutgers University
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Extract

An unequal distribution of income and wealth is an inherent feature of all complex societies, and up to a point, a desirable one. A highly skewed distribution, however, raises questions of serious moral and practical concern: To what extent does socioeconomic inequality undermine the principle of political equality on which democratic societies are based? Under what conditions does it lead to lead to political polarization that retards economic growth or threatens the stability of democratic institutions? And under what circumstances do distributive struggles become the basis for violent social protest or rebellion?

Type
Symposium
Information
PS: Political Science & Politics , Volume 42 , Issue 4 , October 2009 , pp. 657 - 660
Copyright
Copyright © The American Political Science Association 2009

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