ABSTRACT
The first chapter of monograph presents the evolution of theoretical approaches to economic inequality, from inequality based on demographic change, the principle of unequal distribution, the principle of unlimited capital accumulation (K. Marx and S. Kuznets theories) to the main contemporary theories of inequality – welfare economics, the Austrian school, and recent concepts of J. E. Stiglitz, R. Reich, and T. Piketty. It also provides a critical overview of research on the impact of economic inequality on economic growth. The concept of economic inequality is discussed: characteristics, breadth of content, revealing many aspects of inequality, especially emphasizing inequality of opportunities and outcomes. The problem of the validity of economic inequality is raised, and a differentiated approach to economic inequality is proposed, which states that inequality can be normal and excessive, highlighting the problem of wealth inequality as the most pronounced indicator of excessive inequality. The concept of socio-economic progress is presented; it is stated that in assessing the state of progress of the country, it is necessary to shift the center of gravity to the criteria of people's well-being and quality of life; the diversity of research suggests that the impact of economic inequality on socio-economic progress is not fully defined. The relevance of assessing the impact of economic inequality on socio-economic progress is raised.
