Skip to product information
1 of 1

Meghan Condon,Amber Wichowsky

Economic Other: Inequality in the American Political Imagination

Economic Other: Inequality in the American Political Imagination

Dispatches within 7 to 10 working days
Regular price £23.92 GBP
Regular price £26.00 GBP Sale price £23.92 GBP
8% OFF Sold out
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

YOU SAVE £2.08

  • Condition: Brand new
  • UK Delivery times: Usually arrives within 2 - 3 working days
  • UK Shipping: Fee starts at £2.39. Subject to product weight & dimension
Trustpilot 4.5 stars rating  Excellent
We're rated excellent on Trustpilot.
  • More about Economic Other: Inequality in the American Political Imagination

Economic inequality is at a record high in the US, but public demand for redistribution is not rising. The Economic Other reveals that when less-advantaged Americans compare with the rich, they become more accurate about their status and want more from government, but American society is structured to prevent upward comparison.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2020
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press


Economic inequality in the United States has reached unprecedented levels, yet there is a disconnect between public demand for redistribution and the actual level of support for such measures. Meghan Condon and Amber Wichowsky argue that this paradox and other mysteries about class and US politics can be unraveled by examining social comparison. Powerful forces compete to direct attention towards either the rich or the poor, shaping political discourse and policy outcomes.

Through a combination of experimental research, surveys, and personal narratives, The Economic Other sheds light on how less-advantaged Americans gain a more accurate understanding of their own status when they compare themselves to the rich. This comparison motivates them to seek greater government assistance. However, American society is designed to discourage upward comparison, limiting opportunities for interaction with the wealthiest individuals. As a result, people tend to compare themselves to those below them to feel more secure and stable.

Even when comparisons with the rich do occur, many individuals lose confidence in their ability to effect change. The Economic Other provides a crucial examination of the persistence of inequality and the necessary steps to address it. It underscores the importance of recognizing the role of social comparisons in shaping political attitudes and advocating for policies that promote greater equality and social mobility.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 263 x 284 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226691879

This item can be found in:

UK and International shipping information

UK Delivery and returns information:

  • Delivery within 2 - 3 days when ordering in the UK.
  • Shipping fee for UK customers from £2.39. Fully tracked shipping service available.
  • Returns policy: Return within 30 days of receipt for full refund.

International deliveries:

Shulph Ink now ships to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, India, Luxembourg Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

  • Delivery times: within 5 - 10 days for international orders.
  • Shipping fee: charges vary for overseas orders. Only tracked services are available for most international orders. Some countries have untracked shipping options.
  • Customs charges: If ordering to addresses outside the United Kingdom, you may or may not incur additional customs and duties fees during local delivery.
View full details