The Rhodes Center Podcast with Mark Blyth The puzzling politics of inequality
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Mar 7, 2025 Charlotte Cavaille, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, and Branko Milanovic, a senior scholar on socio-economic inequality, delve into why inequality isn’t a front-burner political issue despite its profound impacts. They discuss the 'Elephant Curve,' which illustrates global income disparities. The conversation highlights the disconnect between various political factions, ideological divides over fairness, and the challenges of coalition-building in addressing economic redistribution. Their insights aim to reshape our understanding of inequality in the modern context.
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Fairness and Inequality
- Inequality's politicization is hindered by differing fairness perceptions.
- Outraged groups disagree on the nature of fairness, preventing coalitions.
Two Fairness Norms
- Fairness perceptions are shaped by meritocracy and reciprocity.
- Disagreements arise from how these norms are applied to the status quo.
Danish Cooperation
- Mark Blyth recounts an anecdote about Danish economist Kai Ove Pedersen.
- Pedersen attributed Denmark's cooperative economy to the pressure of neighboring Germany.
