Power is a broad and complex concept that cuts across all fields in
humanities and social sciences. Written by a leading historian of
economic thought, Power and Inequality presents a wide-ranging and
multi-disciplinary analysis of power as an economic and social issue.
Its aim is not to formulate a new abstract theory of power but rather to
illustrate the different ways in which power is used to exacerbate
social and economic inequality. Issues such as division of labour and
its evolution, different forms of capitalism up to the money-manager
economy, the role of networks (from the family to mason lodges and the
mafia), the state and the international arena, culture and the role of
the masses are considered. The analysis of these elements, causing
inequalities of various kinds, is a prerequisite for devising
progressive policy strategies aiming at a reduction of inequalities
through a strategy of reforms.