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EQUALITY IS A STRUGGLE

by taxing the wealthiest in a clear and significant way.” So writes Piketty, who has made a distinguished career of explicating the whys and wherefores of inequality and its multiple causes. Much of Piketty’s writing here digs into that project, and it’s a credit to Le Monde’s readership that they’re not afraid of tables and hard data. Yet Piketty also writes with admirable clarity about several ideas that are key to his extended argument—and, in at least a sense, these columns forge a single argument in favor of democratic socialism. He observes, in that regard, that the unprecedented prosperity of the 20th century came about precisely because the “hyperconcentration of ownership and class privileges that characterized European societies before 1914” had been broken, with massive investments in human capital and decommodification of the social marketplace. Given the rise of Trumpism and its congeners worldwide, Piketty counters that those values should be restored, and by nobody better than the European states that showed the way in the first place, emphasizing “parliamentary democracy, the social state, and investment in the future.” Voilà: We come full circle to taxing the rich in order to fund health care, education, welfare, and states that observe “the rule of law and democratic pluralism.” Admittedly, Piketty writes, those states are mostly European, whose social economy is far ahead of that of the U.S. There’s some inside baseball—or perhaps soccer—here in Piketty’s essays on and against the Macron government and like causes, but most of these pieces will be intelligible to American readers without much background in contemporary French politics."

Book Details

Publisher:European societies before
Published:1914-01-01
Pages:248
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780300282

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This powerful examination of social justice movements delivers an unflinching look at the ongoing fight for civil rights and human dignity across generations. Through compelling historical analysis a...

Our Review

This powerful examination of social justice movements delivers an unflinching look at the ongoing fight for civil rights and human dignity across generations. Through compelling historical analysis and contemporary case studies, the book traces the evolution of equality movements from grassroots organizing to legislative change, making complex social issues accessible to young activists. The narrative doesn't shy away from discussing systemic barriers and the real-world challenges faced by marginalized communities, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of why equality remains an active struggle rather than an achieved goal.

What sets this work apart is its emphasis on youth empowerment and practical advocacy, offering concrete examples of how young people have historically driven social change and continue to do so today. Teen readers will appreciate the direct connection to their own potential for impact, while parents and educators will value the balanced approach to discussing difficult topics with historical context and hopeful resolution. The book ultimately leaves readers with both a sobering awareness of ongoing inequalities and an inspiring call to action that resonates long after the final page.

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