The social problem of inequality is currently at the center of public discussion. Much is being written about the contrast between the 1% and the 99% of the population, and public opinion is more aware of the scale of inequality than ever before.

But if we truly want to reduce income inequality, what can we do? How can this increased sensitivity of public opinion be translated into policies and actions that actually reduce inequality? In this book, British economist Tony Atkinson, an expert on issues of inequality and poverty, makes specific proposals that could truly affect the distribution of income.

Learning from history and viewing the economic mechanisms operating in the background with fresh eyes, he seeks to show what could be done to reduce the extent of inequality. In the first part of the book, the diagnosis is made. What do we mean by the term inequality and what is its current extent? Have there been periods when inequality has decreased and, if so, what can we learn from them? What can economic theory tell us about the causes of inequality?

The second part presents proposals that outline the steps that states must take in order to reduce inequality. The third part examines a series of objections to these proposals. Can we create equal opportunities without losing jobs or slowing economic growth? Do we have the capacity to implement a program for reducing inequality?

The book is aimed at readers interested in economy and politics.