even-it-up-inequality-thumbnail.jpg

Even it up: Time to end extreme inequality

Using new research and examples, this report shows the scale of the problem of extreme economic inequality, and reveals the multiple dangers it poses to people everywhere.

This report identifies the two powerful driving forces that have led to the rapid rise in inequality in so many countries: market fundamentalism and the capture of politics by elites. The report then highlights some of the concrete steps that can be taken to tackle this threat, and presents evidence that change can happen.

Extreme economic inequality has exploded across the world in the last 30 years, making it one of the biggest economic, social and political challenges of our time. Age-old inequalities on the basis of gender, caste, race and religion—injustices in themselves—are exacerbated by the growing gap between the haves and the have-nots.

As Oxfam launches the Even It Up campaign worldwide, we join a diverse groundswell of voices, including billionaires, faith leaders and the heads of institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, as well as trade unions, social movements, women’s organizations and millions of ordinary people across the globe. Together we are demanding that leaders around the world take action to tackle extreme inequality before it is too late.

Author

Oxfam

Publication date

Publication type

Research