Daniel Waldenström, professor of Economics, presents his book ”Richer and More Equal: A New History of Wealth in the West”. The book analyzes wealth accumulation and inequality in the modern west. Using cutting-edge research and new data, it shows that what stands out since the late 1800s is a massive rise in the size of the middle class and its share of society’s total wealth. Unfettered capitalism, it seems, doesn’t have to lead to boundless inequality. The key to progress was political and institutional change that enabled citizens to become educated, better paid, and to amass wealth through housing and pension savings. Among the lessons for the future is to pursue tax and social policies that raise the wealth of people in the bottom and middle rather than cutting wealth of entrepreneurs at the top.

Daniel Waldenström is Professor of Economics and Director of the Taxes and Society research program at IFN, Sweden. His research focuses on economic inequality, taxes, fiscal policy and economic history.

This recording is from a research seminar held at the Institute for Futures Studies, Stockholm, February 2025.

Moderator: Gustaf Arrhenius, professor of practical philosophy.

Research seminars are held at the institute most Wednesdays and are open to the public. Online participation possible. Sign up here to get invitations.