The Inequality Crisis

What are the causes of the rise in economic inequality in the West and what can be done about it?

Inequality has at last taken centre stage in the political discourse, but there is very little to explain the inequality debates and to offer solutions for the UK.

Written by an award-winning academic and policymaker, this introductory book provides a comprehensive survey of all the available evidence, looking at both sides of the inequality argument.

Fully up-to-date with the latest developments from the 2017 election and Brexit in the UK to Donald Trump’s election in the USA, this accessible and jargon-free introduction is international in scope and packed with fascinating facts and quotes.

Roger Brown concludes by discussing whether current UK government policies will actually help reduce inequality and offers practical suggestions for what can be done, such as raising taxes on higher earners, tougher action against tax avoiders, helping people on lower incomes to save, and reducing inequalities in education.

'Explaining the Neoliberal turn' on Transforming Society
'10 ways we can reverse inequality in Britain' on Transforming Society

"A compelling and insightful analysis of the current state of economic and social inequalities in the UK.... provides a powerful springboard for a wide ranging and convincing consideration of how inequality works, and the ways in which it may be combatted, that has worldwide significance. Its compelling and authoritative account will reinvigorate debates on inequality and how it might be tackled. Essential reading for all those concerned about growing inequality in Britain." Diane Reay, University of Cambridge

"Roger Brown doesn't just give us a lucid and comprehensive explanation of inequality in Britain: he wants action and advances policy recommendations that deserve to be chewed over, right, left and centre." David Walker, The Guardian

“Roger Brown’s book adds to our understanding of the extent of wealth and income inequalities in the UK, and of the ways in which they are increasing; and, sadly, it adds to our understanding of the UK government’s promises to act on the problem, and of its failure to do so. This book is significant both for its broad canvas and for the level of details it contains.” Citizen’s Income

"An authoritative and up-to-date account of the drivers of economic inequality in the UK." Danny Dorling, University of Oxford

"Indispensable. All you need to know about the inequality crisis – causes, consequences and controversies – in one place." Stewart Lansley, author of A Sharing Economy and Breadline Britain

"A short, necessary and powerful book which demonstrates how inequality causes significant and avoidable injuries, but is also bound up with widely held virtues. Roger Brown calls for the language and means for the virtuous reduction of harms." John Holmwood, University of Nottingham

Foreword by Kate Pickett, University of York

The meaning and extent of inequality

Inequality: for and against;

Structural causes of rising inequality;

Institutional causes of rising inequality;

Tackling rising inequality through taxes and transfers;

Tackling rising inequality through policy reform;

Looking ahead.