Program on Inequality and the Common Good
Extreme inequalities of income, wealth and opportunity undercut democracy, social solidarity and mobility, economic stability, and many other aspects of our personal and public lives. The Program on Inequality and the Common Good focuses on these and other dangers that income disparities pose for the U.S.
Through research and reporting, this program encourages policy interventions that can reduce extreme wealth inequality, and close the growing gap between the rich and poor. Recent reports have examined the estate tax, the racial wealth gap, inequality in philanthropy, and other topics related to extreme wealth concentration. The central theme of the program is that without significant reform and a systemic view of inequality on both a national and global level, the overall wealth divide will continue to grow exponentially.
Latest Work
Taxing the (Very) Rich: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
Here's a primer for enjoying our inaugural conference on taxing the wealthiest 0.1 percent.
A Deep Data Crunch, a New Atlas of Inequality
Economic segregation divides much more than the neighborhoods where we live.
Why 21st-Century America Needs to Enact Reparations
The House Judiciary Committee finally debated HR 40, which would form a commission to study the legacy of U.S. slavery — and how to make reparations for it.
Bernie Is Right: 3 Billionaires Really Do Have More Wealth Than Half of America
And in addition to the 3 billionaires Bernie mentioned, we should also be worried about the expanding fortunes of multi-generational wealth dynasties.
Does a Presidential Candidate Who Thinks Billionaires Can Be ‘Deserving’ Deserve To Be President?
A clear majority of candidates for the Democratic Party's 2020 nomination seem to have no problem with the presence of grand private fortunes.
Taxing the Rich Starts With Knowing Who They Are
Taxing the rich won't be effective unless we deploy a variety of policy approaches. After all, the richest among us are often experts at dodging taxes.
Gloria Vanderbilt, Taxes, and Grand Fortune
The Vanderbilts, once America's richest family, have become a handy punching bag for the guardians of our new Gilded Age.
Minimum Wage Reaches Lowest Value Since 1960's
The federal minimum wage has not been raised in 10 years, the longest period without an increase since the program was implemented.
Decent, Secure Housing Is a Basic Human Right
New York's latest housing legislation turns the tables on the landlord class, offering protections for renters.
How Fair Housing Laws Can Advance Environmental Justice and Racial Equity
Residents of Eight Mile, Alabama await a HUD ruling on a dangerous gas leak. Meanwhile, NCRC and the South Alabama Center for Fair Housing evaluate other legal options to secure compensation for the community.
How Wealthy Have Our Super Wealthy Become?
We now have some new clues, thanks to the tax-evasion records whistleblowers have been so generously sharing.
Business School Graduates — Don't Work for Billionaires
Billionaires have become a protected class, employing the brightest graduates to defend and multiply their assets and privileges. Don't help them exacerbate inequality.
Great Fortunes are Suffocating Great Art
How can we save art from the soul-crushing dynamics that our extreme inequality imposes?
For Equality, This Labor Leader Gave a Maximum Effort
The transit worker union's Larry Hanley lived a life that reminds us what beating back inequality truly takes.
Debunking Myths About Wealth and Race
It’s not individual behavior that drives the racial wealth divide — it’s a system that many folks pretend doesn’t exist.
Help Today's College Students as We Did for Previous Generations
Can you imagine being 22 and having $150,000 in debt? This is generational abuse.
User Data Could Help Curb Inequality Spurred by the Tech Industry
The work we do online is making a precious few fabulously rich. Now stirring in California, a movement to share the wealth our data create.
How to Shrink the Wealth Gap for Minorities and Everyone Else While We Study Reparations
Reparations need to be part of this discussion, but we should also look at policies that would turn around our regressive economy for all Americans.
America's Wealthy Want to Silence the Income Inequality Discussion
The richest among us are preaching the 'opportunity' gospel. Don't fall for it.
The Roots of Economic Inequality and the Racial Wealth Divide
Inequality in the U.S. can be reversed, in part, through intentional social programs and tax reform.
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