Income distribution and wealth: new conceptual and methodological approaches. Summary

Abstract

This study analyses how value from labour (intellectual and manual) and natural resources (which also provide value) is created (gross national product), allocated (national income), distributed (disposable income), used (expenses and savings) and accumulated (wealth) in society. Instead of measuring subjective welfare inequality (happiness) through consumption, this study analyses how the value created by labour and natural resources is distributed. The purpose is to study inequality in the distribution of the value created in the economy. Although capabilities and freedom are essential, this study takes into account the broader framework drawn by the duty to respect human rights.