Jobs with Inequality: Financialization, Post-Democracy, and Labour Market Deregulation in Canada

Income inequality has increased in Canada due to globalization, technology, and other forces, but this is not inevitable. John Peters' book Jobs with Inequality explains how inequality is unfolding in Canada today by examining post-democracy, financialization, and labor market deregulation. It shows how business and government have rewritten the rules of the economy to the advantage of the few, and why progressive efforts to reverse these trends have regularly run aground.

Format: Hardback
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Over the past few decades, Canada has witnessed a significant surge in income inequality, with the rich becoming significantly wealthier while the average household income has deteriorated and job quality has plummeted. Various explanations for these trends have been offered, including globalization, technology, and other forces largely beyond our control. However, as Jobs with Inequality demonstrates, there is nothing inevitable about inequality. Rather, runaway inequality is the result of political and policy choices made by governments, which have favored the rich and boosted finance while neglecting the interests of workers.

Drawing on new tax and income data, John Peters delves into the story of how inequality is unfolding in Canada today by examining post-democracy, financialization, and labor market deregulation. The book offers a timely and novel perspective on the issue, explaining how and why business and government have rewritten the rules of the economy to the advantage of the few and considering why progressive efforts to reverse these trends have often faced challenges.

One of the key themes explored in Jobs with Inequality is the role of post-democracy in perpetuating inequality. The author argues that the decline of democratic institutions and the rise of corporate power have contributed to the concentration of wealth and the erosion of worker protections. The book also examines the impact of financialization on inequality, highlighting how the financial sector has become increasingly influential in shaping economic policies and outcomes.

The labor market deregulation is another critical factor contributing to inequality. The author argues that the removal of regulations and the shift towards flexible labor markets have benefited corporations at the expense of workers. This has led to lower wages, reduced job security, and increased worker exploitation. The book also explores the role of government policies in perpetuating inequality, such as tax policies that favor the rich and subsidies for corporations.

Jobs with Inequality offers a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to inequality in Canada and provides a roadmap for addressing these issues. The book advocates for policies that promote economic equality, such as increasing the minimum wage, implementing progressive taxation, and strengthening worker protections. The author also calls for a shift towards a more democratic and accountable political system that prioritizes the interests of workers and the broader public.

In conclusion, Jobs with Inequality is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about income inequality in Canada. The book provides a timely and novel perspective on the issue, challenging the notion that inequality is inevitable and highlighting the role of political and policy choices in perpetuating it. By advocating for policies that promote economic equality and a more democratic and accountable political system, Jobs with Inequality offers a roadmap for building a more equitable and prosperous society.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 235 x 159 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781442646193