One of the great issues facing the world is that of growing income inequality. This is a problem with intra-national (within nations) and inter-national (between nations) dynamics. The USA has one of the most acute cases of income inequality, and it is growing. The richest 1% now take in 24% of all income. They also control 40% of all wealth.

In 1928, the richest 1% took in roughly the same percentage of income, but this fell to a low of 10% in 1980. From the 1950's to 1980, there was a long period of economic expansion and also a low level of income inequality. Joseph Stiglitz underscored the problem of growing inequality in his Vanity Fair article - "Of the 1%, by the 1% and for the 1%." (May 2011).

Using the three theories of fairness/justice, describe how each (libertarian, egalitarian and utilitarian) might describe the fairness/justness/rightness of this situation. Assuming that current levels of inequality are not good (either from a utilitarian or egalitarian perspective),

1. What would be some fair/ethical ways to reduce income inequality?
2. What role might government, business, consumers, international regulations have to create a more just society?

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