Introduction

The growing inequality in the global economy across the planet is reaching unprecedented level, especially in recent decades. In contemporary theoretical research on economic inequality, two essential approaches can be distinguished. Socio-economic progress is a multidimensional process whose essence is to guarantee long-term prosperity not only for present, but also for future generations. The monograph consists of four parts: theoretical substantiation of economic inequality, methodology for assessing excessive inequality, assessing the impact of growing economic inequality on socio-economic progress, and guidelines for reducing excessive inequality. The model for assessing the impact of economic inequality on socio-economic progress presented in the monograph could be applied in formulating public policies that reduce economic inequality, minimize excessive inequality, reduce income inequality and tension among members of society, and promote dignity and quality of life as well as sustainable development of the country.