Against Inequality: The Practical and Ethical Case for Abolishing the Superrich

Stark inequality is a problem the world over,but it has been worsening over the past thirty years,particularly in rich,economically developed countries. To acquire the same amount of wealth as Elon Musk,the average American worker would have to work for more than four and a half million years. In Against Inequality,Tom Malleson makes the case for rejecting meritocracy,presenting a strong defense against the claim that individuals deserve their wealth. Malleson argues that people,especially rich people,do not morally deserve the bulk of their income because it does not,by and large,come from anything the specific individual does,but is largely due to the vast understructure of other people s labor,in addition to their lucky possession of bodily talents and efforts. Furthermore,the book brings to light extensive historical and comparative evidence to show that raising taxes on both income and wealth is practically feasible and that the costs of doing so are far outweighed by the truly enormous benefits that such taxes could bring in terms of environmental sustainability,democratic equality,equal opportunity,and reduced racism and xenophobia. Unlike previous books on inequality,Against Inequality focuses on the superrich,arguing that they have far too much: a world with billionaires alonside severe deprivation is a world without justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In an era of remarkable wealth idolatry, Tom Malleson delves into the ethical justifications of wealth inequality, taking a radical stance that suggests the abolition of billionaires. Stark inequality is a global concern that has worsened over the past thirty years, particularly in rich, economically developed countries. To acquire the same amount of wealth as Elon Musk, the average American worker would have to work for more than four and a half million years. Is this inequality morally acceptable, and is it feasible to reduce inequality in the real world?

In Against Inequality, Tom Malleson makes a compelling case for rejecting meritocracy, presenting a robust defense against the claim that individuals deserve their wealth. Malleson argues that people, especially rich individuals, do not morally deserve the bulk of their income because it does not, by and large, come from anything the specific individual does but is largely due to the vast understructure of other people's labor, in addition to their lucky possession of bodily talents and efforts. Furthermore, the book sheds light on extensive historical and comparative evidence to demonstrate that raising taxes on both income and wealth is practically feasible and that the costs of doing so are far outweighed by the truly enormous benefits that such taxes could bring in terms of environmental sustainability, democratic equality, equal opportunity, and reduced racism and xenophobia.

Unlike previous books on inequality, Against Inequality focuses on the superrich, arguing that they have far too much. A world with billionaires alongside severe deprivation is a world without justice. Malleson's argument is not that billionaires are individually evil but that a society that allows the existence of the superrich is structurally flawed.

The book explores the historical roots. and comparative evidence to show that wealth inequality has been a persistent feature of human societies throughout history. It highlights the role of inheritance, social mobility, and political power in perpetuating wealth disparities, arguing that these factors have contributed to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. Malleson also examines the economic consequences of wealth inequality, including reduced economic growth, increased poverty, and social unrest.

Malleson argues that the superrich have a disproportionate influence on political and social institutions, which perpetuates their wealth and power. He suggests that policies such as progressive taxation, wealth redistribution, and greater regulation of financial markets can help to reduce inequality. The book also explores the moral and ethical implications of wealth inequality, including the impact on individual well-being, social cohesion, and democratic legitimacy.

In conclusion, Against Inequality is a thought-provoking and timely book that challenges the conventional wisdom about wealth inequality. Tom Malleson makes a compelling case for rejecting meritocracy and advocating for policies that promote greater equality and social justice. The book provides a wealth of evidence to support its arguments and offers a roadmap for creating a more equitable and sustainable society.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197670408