Description
Book SynopsisEconomic inequality has reached historic highs worldwide. Almost half the world's wealth is now owned by just 1% of the population. Disparities in the distribution of wealth have grown far more extreme than disparities in income. This is the result of a broken 'system' and no amount of business-as-usual will solve it, the author argues.
Trade Review"Governments across the world are grappling with the increasingly toxic issue of social and economic inequalities. This book by Tom Burgess contributes some bold and imaginative ideas to the ongoing debate with a view to coming up with a package of practical solutions designed to bring about a reduction in financial hardship currently experienced by so many people worldwide." Professor David Wilson, Emeritus Professor and Pro-Chancellor, De Montfort University// "A sound, common sense approach to engaging business for the greater good where we all can profit. It is not enough for business to have a social conscience. It is the performance that counts. Tom Burgess offers a practical agenda to engage the philosophy of a corporate social conscience through initiatives such as tax reform, profit allocation and self-financing infrastructure investment. A defining statement which should be read by all entrepreneurs who seek a clear alternative perspective to progress their business." David A Kerfoot MBE DL// "Long before Piketty quantified it, some thinkers realized that a chasm of inequality had been opening up over the past twenty-five years between the have-nots and the have-alls (leaving aside the increasingly squeezed middle). Burgess was one of these early thinkers, and his thesis that zero-sum economics is socially and financially destructive is the product of a generation's-worth of hard thinking on the matter. The analysis and solutions Burgess puts forward are radical and urgently in need of implementation." Prof. Chris Green, Formerly Associate Professor in the Faculty of Humanities, Hong Kong Polytechnic University // "A century ago, civic-minded business people who understood how concentrated wealth undermines our democracy helped launch the struggle that toppled America's original plutocracy. In Income for me/ wealth for we, Burgess reignites that civic-minded spirit." Sam Pizzigati, Associate Fellow, Institute for Policy Studies, Washington DC and author of The Rich Don't Always Win // "Burgess presents a much-needed path to engage both the wealthy and everyone else. It isn't punitive, it is inclusive. It isn't billionaire bashing, it's bridge building. The principle of 'Income for me, wealth for we' is not just practical, it is executable. This book outlines an agenda to build balance again with greater opportunity, a healthy middle class and a productive environment for the continued creation of wealth for the benefit of all, not just the few." Chuck Collins Senior Scholar, Institute for Policy Studies, Washington DC
Table of ContentsPart I Challenge for Change 1 Where Are We Now? 1.1 Extreme inequality 1.2 Slow economic progress 1.3 Government isn’t working 2 Radical Rethink 2.1 Austerity to prosperity 2.2 Tax as a toolbox 2.3 Revolution or evolution? Part II • The Agenda for Progressive Prosperity 3 Turnaround Taxation 3.1 Income for me 3.2 Wealth for we 3.3 Location, location, location! 4 Socially Responsible Capitalism 4.1 Fair pay all the way 4.2 Profits for people 4.3 Working together 5 Foundations for the Future 5.1 Integrated infrastructure 5.2 Excellence in education 5.3 Health and welfare of the nation Part III • Moving Forward 6 Hope into Reality 6.1 Towards progressive prosperity 6.2 Convincing the confused 6.3 Campaign for change 7 And Now, It Is up to Us 7.1 Body of evidence 7.2 The time is now 203 7.3 Next steps; Index
