Reducing Income Inequality

Abstract

Income inequality is a growing area of concern in both China and the United States, the world’s two largest economies today. Alongside the traditional social welfare system, taxation and philanthropy are two alternative mechanisms to reduce inequality that have received increasing attention worldwide. This paper explores the roles of taxation and philanthropy in reducing inequality. In analyzing policies relating to taxation and philanthropy across several countries, this paper concludes that despite limitations and unintended consequences, under the current systems in China and the United States, taxation and philanthropy can and should be more effectively used to reduce income inequality.