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National patterns of income and wealth inequality
[journal article]
Abstract The aim of this article is to show that wealth must be treated as a distinct dimension of social stratification
alongside income. In a first step, we explain why social stratification researchers have largely overlooked
wealth in the past and present a detailed definition of wealth by differentiat... view more
The aim of this article is to show that wealth must be treated as a distinct dimension of social stratification
alongside income. In a first step, we explain why social stratification researchers have largely overlooked
wealth in the past and present a detailed definition of wealth by differentiating it from income. In the empirical
part of the article, we analyze the distribution of wealth across 18 countries, and we describe and compare
national patterns of wealth inequality to those of income inequality making use of different data sources. Our
results show – first – that there is strong variation in the distribution of wealth between these 18 countries,
and – second – that levels of wealth inequality significantly differ from levels of income inequality in about half
of the countries analyzed. Surprisingly high levels of wealth inequality we find in Sweden and Denmark, two
countries widely considered being highly egalitarian societies. Conversely, the Southern European countries
– where income inequality is relatively high – exhibit comparatively low levels of wealth inequality.... view less
Keywords
income; social stratification; social inequality; affluence; assets; international comparison; income distribution; well-being; difference in income; Israel; Europe; distribution of wealth; definition
Classification
General Sociology, Basic Research, General Concepts and History of Sociology, Sociological Theories
Free Keywords
Income inequality; net worth; social inequality; social stratification; wealth inequality
Document language
English
Publication Year
2014
Page/Pages
p. 463-488
Journal
International Journal of Comparative Sociology, 55 (2014) 6
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/0020715214565674
Status
Postprint; peer reviewed
Licence
Deposit Licence - No Redistribution, No Modifications