Maurizio Franzini

Economic and social institutions are more and more important in modern economic systems. Efficiency, equity and also economic evolution depend on them. Indeed, since the pioneering analyses of Coase, North and Williamson huge progress has been made in the understanding of the influence of institutions on the working of economic systems. However, institutions are still a rather disregarded topic both in the analysis of economic phenomena and in the design of economic policies. This book offers a critical assessment of the results achieved so far by the various strands of Institutional Economics that paves the way for further improvements. Economic Perspectives on Institutions provides an introduction to the economic analysis of institutions, particularly with respect to the core issues of conflict, coordination and inequality, offering an essential synthesis of what we have learnt so far and highlighting the major gaps to be filled. Readers are introduced to some of the best ideas produced in the field of institutional economics and are provided with a critical assessment both of their ability to explain a number of crucial problems and to offer a guide to the choice of the best policies. This book will be essential reading to all those studying and researching in the field of institutional economics.

Economic and social institutions are more and more important in modern economic systems. Efficiency, equity and also economic evolution depend on them. Indeed, since the pioneering analyses of Coase, North and Williamson huge progress has been made in the understanding of the influence of institutions on the working of economic systems. However, institutions are still a rather disregarded topic both in the analysis of economic phenomena and in the design of economic policies. This book offers a critical assessment of the results achieved so far by the various strands of Institutional Economics that paves the way for further improvements. Economic Perspectives on Institutions provides an introduction to the economic analysis of institutions, particularly with respect to the core issues of conflict, coordination and inequality, offering an essential synthesis of what we have learnt so far and highlighting the major gaps to be filled. Readers are introduced to some of the best ideas produced in the field of institutional economics and are provided with a critical assessment both of their ability to explain a number of crucial problems and to offer a guide to the choice of the best policies. This book will be essential reading to all those studying and researching in the field of institutional economics.

This book explores the mechanisms by which top incomes are achieved through work in today’s advanced economies and asks to what extent current extreme inequalities are compatible with widely held values of social justice. Reflecting on the heterogeneity of the working rich, the authors argue that very high earnings often result not from heightened competition induced by globalization but rather from a lack of competition, or at best deficient competition. It is proposed that such incomes cannot be justified in terms of efficiency or merit and do not generate positive trickle-down effects with benefits for all of society; rather, extreme inequalities in earnings risk jeopardizing equality of opportunity. The book concludes by offering a wide array of innovative policy prescriptions that are not punitive in intent and are not merely directed toward income redistribution. Readers will find the book to be a fascinating source of insights into the subject of the working rich, which remainslargely unexplored within both economics and ethics.

This book explores the mechanisms by which top incomes are achieved through work in today’s advanced economies and asks to what extent current extreme inequalities are compatible with widely held values of social justice. Reflecting on the heterogeneity of the working rich, the authors argue that very high earnings often result not from heightened competition induced by globalization but rather from a lack of competition, or at best deficient competition. It is proposed that such incomes cannot be justified in terms of efficiency or merit and do not generate positive trickle-down effects with benefits for all of society; rather, extreme inequalities in earnings risk jeopardizing equality of opportunity. The book concludes by offering a wide array of innovative policy prescriptions that are not punitive in intent and are not merely directed toward income redistribution. Readers will find the book to be a fascinating source of insights into the subject of the working rich, which remainslargely unexplored within both economics and ethics.

Inequalities in incomes and wealth have increased in advanced countries, making our economies less dynamic, our societies more unjust and our political processes less democratic. As a result, reducing inequalities is now a major economic, social and political challenge. This book provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the economics of inequality. Until recently economic inequality has been the object of limited research efforts, attracting only modest attention in the political arena; despite important advances in the knowledge of its dimensions, a convincing understanding of the mechanisms at its roots is still lacking. This book summarizes the topic and provides an interpretation of the mechanisms responsible for increased disparities. Building on this analysis the book argues for an integrated set of policies addressing the roots of inequalities in incomes and wealthExplaining Inequality will be of interest to students, researchers and practitioners concerned with inequality, economic and public policy and political economy.

Inequalities in incomes and wealth have increased in advanced countries, making our economies less dynamic, our societies more unjust and our political processes less democratic. As a result, reducing inequalities is now a major economic, social and political challenge. This book provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the economics of inequality. Until recently economic inequality has been the object of limited research efforts, attracting only modest attention in the political arena; despite important advances in the knowledge of its dimensions, a convincing understanding of the mechanisms at its roots is still lacking. This book summarizes the topic and provides an interpretation of the mechanisms responsible for increased disparities. Building on this analysis the book argues for an integrated set of policies addressing the roots of inequalities in incomes and wealthExplaining Inequality will be of interest to students, researchers and practitioners concerned with inequality, economic and public policy and political economy.