Synopses & Reviews
A broad, multi-disciplinary and up-to-date analysis of the current state of global inequality that draws on major theories and contemporary evidence in order to explain the need for concern about global inequality, to consider the historical trends and causes of global inequality and to question the efficacy of social policy.
Synopsis
What causes global inequality? Why should we be concerned about it? Is inequality getting worse or are there signs of improvement and progress?
This critical analysis of the current state of global inequality pushes beyond ideological prejudice and simplistic explanations, to address these important questions. Offering a distinctive response to the many challenges in the area, the text presents a holistic account of inequality by:
- Taking a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating perspectives from sociology, politics and economics;
- Recognising the influence of historical trends on inequality today;
- And viewing inequality from a global perspective, as well as a national one.
Drawing on major theories of inequality and up-to-date evidence, Robert J. Holton guides readers through the complex issues at hand, making this text a valuable resource for students of sociology, global studies, politics and development studies.
About the Author
Robert Holton is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, and Adjunct Professor of Sociology in the Hawke Research Institute at the University of South Australia. He is a leading world figure in the analysis of globalization and has published a wide range of successful books in this area, including Global Finance (2012), Globalization and the Nation State (2011), Cosmopolitanisms (2009) and Global Networks (2007).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Theories of Social Inequality
3. A Short Historical Sociology of Global Inequality
4. Global Inequalities of Income and Wealth
5. Global Social Inequality
6. Does Globalization Cause Global Inequality?
7. What is to be Done? Policy Responses to Global Inequality