EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
i. What is the aim of the world inequality report 2018?
The World Inequality Report 2018 relies on a cutting-edge methodology to measure income and wealth inequality in a systematic and transparent manner. By developing this report, the World Inequality Lab seeks to fill a democratic gap and to equip various actors of society with the necessary facts to engage in informed public debates on inequality.
▶ the objective of the World Inequality Report 2018 is to contribute to a more informed global democratic debate on economic inequality by bringing the latest and most complete data to the public discussion.
▶ economic inequality is widespread and to some extent inevitable. It is our belief, however, that if rising inequality is not properly monitored and addressed, it can lead to various sorts of political, economic, and social catastrophes.
▶ our objective is not to bring everyone into agreement regarding inequality. this will never happen, for the simple reason that no single scientific truth exists about the ideal level of inequality, let alone the most socially desirable mix of policies and institutions to achieve this level. ultimately, it is up to public deliberation, and political institutions and their processes to make these difficult decisions. but this deliberative process requires more rigorous and transparent information on income and wealth.
– World Inequality Lab