Anthony B. Atkinson
Inequality: What Can Be Done
Inequality: What Can Be Done? argues that inequality is not only measurable, but politically manageable. Anthony B. Atkinson demonstrates that societies possess concrete policy tools to reduce inequality—and that failing to use them is a choice, not a constraint.
About the Author
Anthony B. Atkinson was one of the world’s leading scholars on inequality andpublic economics.
A professor at Oxford University and the London School of Economics, Atkinsondevoted his career to the empirical measurement of inequality and the design ofpolicies to reduce it.
Widelyregarded as a founding figure of modern inequality studies, he pioneeredmethods for analyzing income distribution and inspired generations ofeconomists, including Thomas Piketty.
His work combined technical rigor with an unwavering commitment to socialjustice, earning him recognition as one of the most morally engaged economistsof his time.
About the Book
In Inequality:What Can Be Done?, Atkinson moves beyond diagnosis to prescription.
Rather thanasking whether inequality is rising, he asks a more demanding question: Whatpolicies can realistically reduce it?
Drawing on historical evidence and comparative policy analysis, Atkinsonpresents a comprehensive agenda of proposals spanning taxation, socialinsurance, labor markets, technology, and public investment.
Crucially, thebook rejects fatalism. Atkinson argues that globalization, technologicalchange, and market forces do not eliminate policy choice. Governments, heinsists, retain far more capacity to shape outcomes than is commonlyacknowledged.
Why Inequality Matters
For Atkinson,inequality is not simply a distributional outcome—it is a reflection ofcollective priorities.
Highinequality weakens social cohesion, undermines democratic legitimacy, anderodes trust in public institutions.
When disparities widen unchecked, economic insecurity spreads and politicalpolarization deepens.
Atkinsonemphasizes that tolerating inequality is not neutral.
It represents an implicit acceptance of unequal life chances—and a failure todeploy available tools to protect social fairness.
Why We Selected This Book
The GlobalInequality Institute selected Inequality: What Can Be Done? because itembodies a rare combination: analytical precision and policy courage.
Atkinsonrefuses to treat inequality as an abstract trend or an unavoidable byproduct ofmodern economies.
Instead, he offers a serious, evidence-based blueprint for action—demonstratingthat reducing inequality is both feasible and necessary.
This bookaligns directly with GII’s mission to transform awareness into action.
It reminds us that understanding inequality is only the beginning; justiceultimately depends on whether societies are willing to act.
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