Combating Inequality

Economic inequality has recently gained considerable academic attention. However, two important aspects of inequality have not been discussed systematically: its multidimensional nature and the question of what can be done to reverse it. This book offers insights from scholars representing the Global Labour University, which operates in Brazil, Germany, India, South Africa and the US. They analyse the various drivers of inequality, assess policy responses, and discuss counterstrategies.

1. Introduction Part I: The Challenge of Inequality 2. The Rise of Inequality Across the Globe: Drivers, Impacts and Policies for Change 3. Gender Inequality and the Labour Movement 4. Trade Unions and the Challenge of Economic Inequality: An Unresolved Debate Part II: Drivers of Inequality 5. Labour and Financial Markets as Drivers of Inequality 6. The Impact of the Financial Sector on Inequality: A Comparison of the US, Brazil, Germany and India 7. Multinational Corporations and Economic Inequality in the Global South: Causes, Consequences and Countermeasures in the Bangladeshi and Honduran Apparel Sector Part III: Country Case Studies 8. The US Economy: From Crisis to Stagnation 9. Financialisation, Redistribution and `Export-led Mercantilism¿: The Case of Germany 10. Macroeconomic Processes and Economic Inequality in India 11. Brazil in the Last Twenty Years: Searching for a New Accumulation Regime Part IV: Critiques of Conventional Political Responses 12. `Greening¿ Inequality? The Limits of the Green Growth Agenda 13. The Social Investment State and the Myth of Meritocracy Heike Solga 14. New Trends in Inequality: The Financialisation of Social Policies Part V: Merits and Limits of Alternative Political Responses 15. Market Regulation, Inequality and Economic Development 16. The Role of the Public Sector in Combating Inequality 17. Progressive Tax Reform in the OECD Countries: Opportunities and Obstacles Part VI: Tools for Counterstrategies 18. Contexualising Strategies for More Equality 19. (Un)Typical Labour Struggles: Creative Campaigns to Challenge Inequality 20. Countermeasures Against Inequality