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Those on the downside of rising economic inequality generally do not want government policies that look like handouts. They typically do not want the government to make the tax system more progressive, to impose punishing taxes on the rich, in order to give the money to them. Redistribution feels demeaning. It feels like being labeled a failure.
Robert J. Shiller
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Interpretation

What this quote means

People affected by economic inequality often see government help as belittling rather than supportive.

In this quote, Robert J. Shiller articulates the sentiment among those experiencing the negative effects of rising economic inequality. He highlights that many individuals in this situation do not desire government intervention that appears as handouts or redistribution, as it may carry a stigma of failure and diminish their dignity. They prefer policies that promote fairness and opportunities rather than those that label them as dependent on the government.

Themes

InequalityGovernmentRedistributionDignityEconomic

In practice

Example use cases

Discussing economic policies at a community forum.

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I think that a lot of people in all walks of life have the impression, of course, that, 'I specialize in something. I can't - I don't have the time to read other things. I'll just go to pure entertainment when I'm relaxing, and then I'll come back to my pure specialty.' That produces - that attitude produces idiot savants, unfortunately.
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