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https://theconversation.com/is-inequality-a-natural-phenomenon-thomas-piketty-argues-it-isnt-and-proposes-a-way-forward-240325>
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Review: Nature, Culture, and Inequality – Thomas Piketty, translated by
Willard Wood (Scribe)
Thomas Piketty’s
Nature, Culture, and Inequality is a little book that
addresses an issue of great significance: is the social inequality we observe
every day natural?
Drawing on historical economic data from around the world, Piketty describes a
tendency since the late 18th century toward greater political and socioeconomic
equality. This was particularly apparent in Western countries from around 1914
to around 1980. There has since been a pronounced slowing of that trend.
Piketty points out that inequality manifests in different ways in different
societies; it also manifests in different ways in the same societies over
history. Inequality, he says, has “followed markedly different trajectories –
political, socioeconomic, cultural, civilizational, and religious”.
This shows us that human culture is more variable, and therefore more
malleable, than many have assumed. “It is culture in the broadest sense,” he
argues, “and more particularly political mobilization” that “provides an
explanation for the diversity, degree, and structure of the social inequalities
we observe.”
As such, there is no reason why we cannot continue the 20th century arc of
development towards greater equality in the present century. In fact, without
seriously addressing inequality, Piketty argues, we cannot hope to adequately
address the climate crisis."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
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mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
