On 'Dynastic' Inequality

Forthcoming in: Stephen Gardiner (ed), Oxford Handbook of Intergenerational Ethics, Oxford University Press

U of Melbourne Legal Studies Research Paper No. 903

25 Pages Posted: 17 Aug 2020

See all articles by Daniel Halliday

Daniel Halliday

University of Melbourne

Miranda Stewart

University of Melbourne - Law School; Australian National University (ANU) - Crawford School of Public Policy

Date Written: August 13, 2020

Abstract

This chapter investigates whether the replication of inequality is, other things being equal, morally objectionable in ways not applicable to inequality that remains confined to a single generation or ‘birth cohort’. The focus is both theoretical and practical. The chapter considers the philosophical foundations that might lie behind an objection to dynastic inequality, negotiating the diversity of egalitarian views supporting this position, and the complexity around the causal mechanisms at work in cases where inequality has a dynastic tendency. It then discusses the policy reforms that might target inequalities that replicate old distributive trends while leaving newly produced trends more intact, with a focus on tax policy. Current tax rules in most developed economies do not make a distinction between new and old influences on the material distribution. Accordingly, it is likely that the tax reforms implied could be quite extensive.

Keywords: wealth, inequality, intergenerational ethics, taxation, distributive justice, inheritance

JEL Classification: K00, K39

Suggested Citation

Halliday, Daniel and Stewart, Miranda, On 'Dynastic' Inequality (August 13, 2020). Forthcoming in: Stephen Gardiner (ed), Oxford Handbook of Intergenerational Ethics, Oxford University Press, U of Melbourne Legal Studies Research Paper No. 903, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3672887

Daniel Halliday

University of Melbourne ( email )

185 Pelham Street
Carlton, Victoria 3053
Australia

Miranda Stewart (Contact Author)

University of Melbourne - Law School ( email )

Melbourne, Victoria 3010
Australia
+61 3 8344 6544 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://law.unimelb.edu.au/about/staff/miranda-stewart

Australian National University (ANU) - Crawford School of Public Policy

7 Liversidge Street
Lennox Crossing
Canberra, ACT 0200
Australia

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