Complex Inequality

First published in 2001. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First published in 2001. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Equality has long been among the most potent of human ideals and it continues to play a prominent role in political argument. Views about equality inform much of the debate about wide-ranging issues such as racism, sexism, obligations to the poor or handicapped, relations between developed and developing countries, and the justification of competing political, economic, and ideological systems. Temkin begins his illuminating examination with a simple question: when is one situation worse than another regarding inequality? In exploring this question, a new approach to understanding inequality emerges. Temkin goes against the common view that inequality is simple and holistic and argues instead that it is complex, individualistic, and essentially comparative. He presents a new way of thinking about equality and inequality that challenges the assumptions of philosophers, welfare economists, and others, and has significant and far-reaching implications on a practical as well as a theoretical level.

In the last decade, there has been an explosion of academic interest in health inequality. Although it is seldom stated explicitly, research into this area is inexorably tied to questions of morality and ethics. In this study, Yukiko Asada seeks to acknowledge the role that morality and theories of justice play in health inequality research, and to articulate the moral philosophy underlying this field of inquiry. Comprised of two distinct parts, Health Inequality first proposes a framework for measuring health inequality reflecting moral concern, then goes on to show how this framework can be applied to quantitative study. Using a specific time period as a case study, Asada questions whether or not health equity improved in the United States between 1990 and 1995. She suggests that the question of whether, and by how much, health inequity changed in the United States is dependent on the morality and accompanying empirical strategy used in the analysis. A unique blend of philosophy and quantitative research, Health Inequality will prove a valuable tool for academics and policymakers alike.

"The Handbook on health inequality monitoring: with a special focus on low- and middle-income countries is a resource that enables countries to do just that. It presents a comprehensive yet clear overview of health inequality monitoring in a user-friendly manner. The handbook succeeds in giving those involved in health inequality monitoring an appreciation of the complexities of the process, as well as building the practical knowledge and skills for systematic monitoring of health inequalities in low- and middle-income countries. The use of the handbook will enable countries to better monitor and evaluate their progress and performance with a high degree of accountability and transparency, and allow them to use the results to formulate evidenced-based policies, programmes and practices to tackle inequalities in an effective manner."--Publisher's description.

This book provides up to date discussion and evidence about inequalities, social divisions and stratification. Its innovative style engages readers and encourages them to reflect upon the many dimensions of social inequality. This updated third edition contains: Three new chapters on employment, sexualities and migration Updated coverage of intersectionality throughout Thirteen new in-depth case studies (one per chapter) This is a must read as a key introductory companion for students who wish to understand the dynamics of contemporary social inequality. Louise Warwick-Booth is a Reader at the School of Health, Leeds Beckett University

The divide between New Zealand’s poorest and wealthiest inhabitants has widened alarmingly over recent decades. Differences in income have grown faster than in most other developed countries. New Zealand society is being reshaped, stretching to accommodate new distance between those who ‘have’ and those who ‘have not’. Income inequality is a crisis that affects us all. A diverse gathering of New Zealand scholars, journalists, researchers, business leaders, workers, students and parents share these pages. Their voices speak to the complex shape of income inequality, and its effects on the communities of these Pacific islands.