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The Dynamics of Inequality in the Human Story: A Brief Sketch

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  • Jon D. Wisman

Abstract

Teaching contemporary inequality can be significantly enriched by being nested in its dynamics over the course of human history. This essay is intended to provide those teaching inequality with a brief sketch of: a) the original human condition of a high degree of equality that endured for 97 to 98 percent of our species' existence as foragers and early agriculturalists; b) the origin of extreme inequality that accompanied the rise of states and civilization about 5,500 years ago as weapons technology enabled a few to subjugate the producers; and c) why, despite political democracy, extreme inequality persists.

Suggested Citation

  • Jon D. Wisman, 2017. "The Dynamics of Inequality in the Human Story: A Brief Sketch," Working Papers 2017-10, American University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:amu:wpaper:2017-10
    DOI: 10.17606/n7tk-0y80
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    File URL: https://doi.org/10.17606/n7tk-0y80
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    Keywords

    Aboriginal equality; rise of state; comparative advantage in violence; democracy; ideology.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • D30 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - General
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • N00 - Economic History - - General - - - General

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