Progress and inequality

Abstract

Angus Deaton takes the reader on a fascinating journey on health and inequality starting about 250 years ago. Angus Deaton, a well-known development economist, takes the reader on a fascinating journey on health and inequality starting about 250 years ago. Mr Deaton uses the famous movie, The Great Escape, as a metaphor. In the movie, some men escape, and many don't, from a prisoner-of-war camp in World War II. This book is all about deprivation and early death, and the endless dance between progress and inequality. After describing his family's escape from poverty, thanks to his father's quest for education for himself and his children, the author discusses how luck favours some and not all. While some people escape deprivation, sickness and death, many others continue to struggle. The Industrial Revolution and the Great Divergence are among the benign escapes in history; but then, some countries were plundered and even conquered. Hence, the tales of progress and inequality are intertwined. Read more at: https://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/progress-and-inequality-113101700983_1.html