Inequality Reexamined is a 1992 book by the economist Amartya Sen. In the book Sen evaluates the different perspectives of the general notion of inequality, focusing mainly on his well-known capability approach. The author argues that inequality is a central notion to every social theory that has stood on time. For only if this basic feature is satisfied can a social theory which advocates a set of social arrangements be plausible. Taken the inequality ingredient for granted, the crucial question becomes: inequality of what? Sen answers this basic question by advocating his preferred notion of equality which is based on the capability for Functions.
Not exactly light reading, but better than most economists. Basically asking, equality of what? Freedom? Ability? Income? Opportunity? Sometimes equalities are in opposition to one another. He makes the case for equality of capability (to pursue needs, desires, happiness..)
