Economic Inequality: History, Case Studies and Policies

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 1, 154 - 190, 12.03.2025

Aras Yolusever

Abstract

The article delves into the intricate and long-standing issue of economic inequality, examining its historical origins, current manifestations, and potential policy solutions. It traces the evolution of inequality from ancient civilizations through feudal and industrial eras to modern capitalism, highlighting how historical social structures and economic systems have entrenched disparities in wealth and income. Case studies from Latin America, the post-Soviet states, and the United States illustrate the persistence and variation of inequality across different regions. The article also evaluates various policy responses aimed at addressing inequality, including progressive taxation, universal basic income (UBI), public investment in education and healthcare, and labor market reforms. While progressive taxation and public investments have effectively reduced inequality in some contexts, UBI remains a contested solution, with mixed results from pilot programs. The article argues for a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that includes redistributive measures and structural reforms to promote a more equitable global economy.

Keywords

Economic Inequality, History of Inequality, Tackling Inequality

İktisadi Eşitsizlik: Tarihi, Vaka Analizleri ve Politikalar

Abstract

Bu makale, ekonomik eşitsizliğin karmaşık ve uzun yıllarca devam eden sorununu ele alarak, tarihsel kökenlerini, mevcut tezahürlerini ve potansiyel politika çözümlerini incelemektedir. Çalışma, eski uygarlıklardan feodal ve endüstriyel dönemlere ve modern kapitalizme kadar eşitsizliğin evriminin izini sürmekte, tarihsel sosyal yapıların ve ekonomik sistemlerin servet ve gelir eşitsizliklerini nasıl kökleştirdiğini vurgulamaktadır. Latin Amerika, eski Sovyet ülkeleri ve Amerika Birleşik Devletleri'nden vaka çalışmaları, farklı bölgelerdeki eşitsizliğin sürekliliğini ve çeşitliliğini göstermektedir. Makale aynı zamanda eşitsizliği ele almayı amaçlayan, artan oranlı vergilendirme, evrensel temel gelir (UBI), eğitim ve sağlık hizmetlerine kamu yatırımı ve işgücü piyasası reformları gibi çeşitli politika tepkilerini de değerlendirmektedir. Artan oranlı vergilendirme ve kamu yatırımları bazı bağlamlarda eşitsizliği etkili bir şekilde azaltırken, UBI pilot programlardan elde edilen karışık sonuçlarla tartışmalı bir çözüm olmaya devam etmektedir. Çalışma, daha adil bir küresel ekonomiyi teşvik etmek için yeniden dağıtıcı önlemleri ve yapısal reformları içeren kapsamlı, çok yönlü bir yaklaşımı savunmaktadır.

Keywords

İktisadi Eşitsizlik, Eşitsizliğin Tarihi, Eşitsizlik ile Mücadele

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