Political Philosophy

3N03

Global average life expectancy in 1820

About 29 years

Global average life expectancy in 2020

Approximately 73 years due to advancements in healthcare and living conditions

Key factors contributing to the increase in life expectancy

Improvements in medical technology, sanitation, and nutrition.

Impact of the Industrial Revolution on global life expectancy

Played a crucial role in extending life expectancy by improving healthcare, sanitation, and living conditions.

Access to primary education in 1820

Only about 10% of the global population had access to at least a primary school education.

Access to higher education by 2020

Approximately 50% of the population in industrialized countries received a university education.

Factors contributing to the expansion of education between 1820 and 2020

The expansion of education systems, policies promoting universal education, and increased accessibility.

Global purchasing power change from 1700 to 2020

Minimal in 1700, increased slightly by 1820, rose significantly by 1920 due to industrialization, and reached unprecedented levels by 2020.

Global average income in 2020

About $11,000.

Average income in the world's poorest countries in 2020

Around $1,000.

Average income in the world's wealthiest countries in 2020

Approximately $50,000.

Wealth concentration change in France from 1810 to 1910

The top 1% held about 30% of total wealth in 1810, increasing to 60% by 1910.

Wealth share of the top 1% in France in the early 1980s

Around 40%.

Wealth share of the top 1% in France today

Still remains high.

Wealth distribution for the bottom 50% in France from 1810 to today

Held 20% of total wealth in 1810, decreasing to 10% by 1910, and remaining low ever since.

Definition of means of production according to Piketty

Assets and resources used to produce goods and services, typically owned by capitalists or corporations.

Why housing is not considered part of the means of production

Housing does not generate income in the same way that factories or businesses do.

Patrimonial middle class

Individuals who inherit wealth and property, contributing to their economic stability and social status.

Difference between financial assets and physical assets

Financial assets include stocks, bonds, and investments that generate income, while physical assets include real estate and land.

Great Divergence

The economic gap that emerged between Western Europe and other regions, particularly Asia, during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Two main explanations for the Great Divergence according to Pomeranz

The availability of resources in the Americas and the development of capitalist economies in Europe.

Taxation capabilities

Britain and France could effectively tax about 20% of national income, while the Ottoman Empire and China had much lower taxation capabilities.

Estimated percentage of slaves in Haiti in the late 1780s

About 90% of the population were enslaved.

Regions with significant slave populations between 1780 and 1830

Jamaica, Barbados, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and the Southern United States, where slaves often made up over 50% of the population.

Impact of slavery on income inequality today

The legacy of slavery has long-lasting effects on income distribution, economic opportunities, and social structures.

Income distribution in Sweden and the US in 1980 and 2020

In 1980, Sweden's top 10% earned about 25% of total income. In 2020, the US top 10% earned around 30%.

Income inequality in Brazil and Haiti in 2020 and 1780

In 2020, Brazil's top 10% earned approximately 50% of total income. In 1780, Haiti's top 10% earned a staggering 70%.

Property ownership distribution in France, the UK, and Sweden between 1880-1914

The top 10% owned about 60% of property, the patrimonial middle class owned about 20%, and the bottom 50% owned less than 10%.

Sweden's censitary suffrage system in the early 20th century

It limited voting rights to property owners, reflecting economic inequalities.

Modern democratic systems and censitary elements

Piketty argues that wealth continues to influence political power today.

Taxation changes over time in Europe and the US

Tax receipts as a percentage of national income fluctuated significantly from 1700 to 1980, with notable increases during the 20th century due to expanded government functions and social welfare programs.

Anthropological Revolution

A significant change in societal structures and norms related to wealth and class.

Lessons from the Anthropological Revolution

The importance of historical context in understanding economic systems and the need for progressive policies to address inequality.

Wealth ownership in the US and Europe in 2020

The top 10% in the US owned about 70% of total wealth, while in Europe, it was around 50%.

Wealth distribution comparison in Europe and the US in 1913

Europe had a more equitable distribution of wealth than the US, but this trend has reversed over time.

Wealth ownership trends from 1960 to 2020

In 1960, the top 10% in Europe owned a greater share of wealth than in the US. By 2020, the US had greater wealth concentration at the top.

Access to higher education according to Piketty

The ability of individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds to enroll and succeed in higher education institutions.

Access to higher education for the poorest 10% in 2018

Only about 10%.

Access to higher education for the richest 10% in 2018

Nearly 80%.

Representation of women in income earners from 1970 to 2020

In 1970, about 30% of women were in the top 50% of earners; by 2020, it increased to 50%. The percentage in the top 10% rose from 10% to 25%.

Gender disparity in the top 1% and 0.1% of income earners

Women remain underrepresented, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality.