Why inequality does not fall

Abstract

Inequality has existed ever since human societies were able to produce an economic surplus and turned into “civilized” empires. No theory of justice, whether meritocratic or liberal, will justify the ensuing inequality. According to the meritocratic notion of justice, the ablest should be compensated. Nevertheless, the poorer in each society are not less endowed with talents, nor less hard-working. The liberal theory of justice justifies inequality provided that it is the price for some improvement in the standard of living of the worst-off members of society. Yet the huge differences of income and standard of living among people and among countries cannot be justified with this principle. On the other hand, increasing inequality among countries cannot be justified with the fact that it is accompanied by the modest increase in the income of the poor.