Do We Need Economic Inequality? by Danny Dorling

The Blurb On The Back:

Although economic inequality provokes widespread disquiet, its supposed necessity is rarely questioned. At best, a basic level of inequality is seen as a necessary evil. At worst, it is seen as insufficient to encourage aspiration, hard work and investment - a refrain sometimes used to advocate ever greater inequality.

In this original new book, Danny Dorling critically analyses historical trends and contemporary assumptions in order to question the idea that inequality is an inevitability. What if, he asks, widespread economic inequality is actually just a passing phase, a feature of the capitalist transition from a settled rural way of life to our next highly urban steady-state? Is it really likely that we face a Blade Runner-style dystopian future divided between a tiny elite and an impoverished mass?

Dorling shows how, amongst much else, a stabilizing population, changing gender relations and rising access to education make a more egalitarian alternative to this nightmare vision not only preferable, but realistic. This bold contribution to one of the most significant debates of our time will be essential reading for anyone interested in our economic, social and political destiny.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Danny Dorling is Professor of Geography at Oxford University and in this interesting but slightly depressing book he looks at the concept of economic inequality, the way it's grown over the course of history, the arguments made for and against it and how it encourages bad decision making together with what Dorling considers to be signs for optimism (although I have to say that I didn't share them).

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.

Basic Income And How We Can Make It Happen by Guy Standing

The Blurb On The Back:

Shouldn't everyone receive a stake in society's wealth?

Could we create a fairer world by granting a guaranteed income for all?

What would this mean for our health, wealth and happiness?

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Guy Standing co-founded the Basic Income Earth Network and is a long-standing proponent of it and in this fascinating and informative book that anyone interested in the subject should read, he sets out what basic income is, the arguments for and against it (although I think his bias shows when assessing objections and he downplays them) and what information has come from those trials that have already been held on it in various countries.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.