Ask NUS economists

Inequality: How you view it depends on what you're told

Exposure to different sources of credible information is critical if Singaporeans are to have thoughtful and informed public discourse on inequality, say the authors. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

A The 2,153 wealthiest individuals in the world are richer than 60 per cent of the global population, according to an Oxfam report this year.

While economic inequality is regarded by some to be the defining challenge of our time, others shrug it off. Why are our views on inequality so divergent, and do we adjust our views when we are presented with new information?

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 29, 2020, with the headline Inequality: How you view it depends on what you're told. Subscribe