The Wealth Inequality Reader [Paperback]

Dollars & Sense (Editor), United for a Fair Economy (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2004

Wealth is distributed more unequally in the United States today than at any time since the twenties. Does it matter? The authors of The Wealth Inequality Reader answer this question with a resounding yes. Twenty-five substantive, readable essays explore the hidden vector of wealth inequality: its causes, its consequences, and strategies for change. Plus: an illustrated overview offers the latest statistics on wealth inequality in a series of one-page snapshots. The essential reader on wealth inequality, this book is a must-have for both activist and scholar.

Preface by Jesse Jackson, Jr.

With essays by Chuck Collins, Bill Fletcher, Ellen Frank, William Greider, Marjorie Kelly, Paul Krugman, Betsy Leondar-Wright, Meizhu Lui, Kevin Phillips, and more.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dollars & Sense magazine explains the working of the U.S. and international economies and provides left perspectives on current economic affiars. It is edited and produced by a collective of economists, jouranlists, and activists who are committed to social justice and economic democracy.

United for a Fair Economy is a national, independent, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. UFE raises awareness that concentrated wealth and power undermine the economy, corrupt democracy, deepen the racial divide, and tear communities apart. We support and help build social movements for greater equality.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Dollars & Sense; 1st edition (September 2004)
• ISBN-10: 1878585452
• ISBN-13: 978-1878585455
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #702,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars if you're a skeptic of the way capitalism works, read it, April 15, 2008

By 

Braxtor "Robin" (Tampa, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wealth Inequality Reader (Paperback)

This book was actually well written and very informative. It is very critical of capitalism and seeks ways nearing the end of it to reform advanced capitalism. There are charts in it which makes viewing wealth gaps easy to grasp and there is a lot of information on anything relevant to wealth itself (i.e. stocks, credit, etc.) I used it for a class and learned a lot and still refer to it. I only give it a 4 because it is different essays by many different people and there were a few I could have done without reading, but for the most part it's worth a read.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitve Book On Wealth Inequality, June 26, 2010

By 

J.L. Populist (WI,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wealth Inequality Reader (Paperback)

This is the first edition of The Wealth Inequality Reader. The topics and their treatment are very relevant yet today.
I personally prefer this book over "Top Heavy". This book does cite data from Edward Wolff but I found The Wealth Inequality Reader as an easier read.

The book examines the 7 causes of wealth inequality.
Contrasts income vs. wealth.

What conservatives real motivation is for cutting taxes on the wealth- to eliminate social programs because they are too expensive. Chuck Collins shares his observation on the success of conservatives through think-tanks and similar organizations to push for policies that are not in the best interests of the vast majority of citizens.

Page 88 has a quote from Kevin Phillips that I found to be still accurate in today's political landscape.
"When money is king, politicians get bought on a truly grand scale and philosophy bows to avarice."

Chuck Collins and Dedrick Muhammad describe the neo-conservative "shrink, shift and shaft" agenda. Shrink regulation and welfare while enlarging "warfare" and "watchtower" states. Shift progressive taxes to regressive payroll taxes. Shaft the majority of the population by shafting(underfunding) infrastructure like schools and roads.

A really intriguing subject is the Alaska Permanent Fund-an example of a public trust.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a critical study of current economic policies and some solid solutions from the Progressive side.