Political Power and Economic Inequality

Charles F. Andrain is professor emeritus of political science at San Diego State University.

• Chapter 1: Perspectives on Income Distribution: Keynes and NeoliberalsChapter 2: Policies and Income Distribution in Wealthy NationsChapter 3: The Politics of Development and Income Distribution PoliciesChapter 4: Policies and Income Distribution under Global CapitalismChapter 5: Protest Movements against Economic InequalityChapter 6: Economic Inequality, Democracy, and Policy Dilemmas in Capitalist SocietiesChapter 7: Public Opinion, Social Science, and Income Distribution PoliciesReferences

Andrain examines aspects of and explanations for economic inequality, something that has increased most everywhere since the 1970s, in various countries of the world. Economic inequality is related to differing public policies and ultimately differences in terms of political institutions; ideological tilts of parties; and the strength of business, organized labour, and social groups. The book takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on political science, economics, and sociology. A strong sympathy for Keynes and Keynesianism as opposed to neoliberalism runs throughout it. The regional foci are on Western industrial countries, postcommunist countries, China, East Asian developmental states, India, and selected Latin American countries. Topics include the effects of differing political systems, global interdependence, political mobilization, and the role of social scientists in the policy process. There are useful comparisons between neighboring countries, such as Chile and Uruguay. . . .[S]tarting each chapter with a discussion of a different novelist's take on inequality is interesting. The references are quite comprehensive. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, researchers/faculty.