2010 October

Wealth Inequality

Harvard professor Michael Norton recently discussed U.S. wealth inequality with Steve Inskeep on NPR.  The gap between reality and perception is interesting and probably universal.  Engaging citizens of any country in work that addresses inequality is difficult if they don’t perceive the issue to be as pressing as it is.  Professor Norton gives culture and our belief in upward social mobility as one explanation for this gap between reality and perception, and certainly culture plays a role in every country’s response to poverty alleviation.