Decreasing Inequality Creates the Illusion of Inequality?

Posted on October 24, 2009
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Im not sure what to think about this one from Will Wilkinson. “Decreasing real economic inequality creates the illusion of its opposite.” In one sense it’s true – inequality is tied primarily to high status items. As we become egalitarian in what was once high status they become low status. New items become status symbols. I’m not convinced one should read too much into this though. I think one can point to non-status symbols, such as health care and proper nutrition and see inequities. One problem is defining equality.