This book investigates the widening gap between the wages of skilled and unskilled workers in the United States and other advanced economies since the 1970s. The essays explore whether the unprecedented decline in real earnings for less-educated young men in the U.S. is a unique phenomenon or part of a global trend toward increased inequality. By examining labor market institutions, supply and demand forces, and pay differentials across various countries, the contributors seek to understand the underlying causes of these shifts. The analysis considers factors such as managerial compensation, gender pay gaps, and the impact of regional unemployment.

This collection of essays provides a comparative analysis of wage inequality trends across several advanced economies, offering insights into the factors driving these changes. The contributors draw on extensive data to explore the roles of labor market institutions, education systems, and global economic shifts. The book is likely to be of interest to economists, policymakers, and researchers studying labor markets and social stratification. Its comparative approach allows for a nuanced understanding of how different national contexts shape the experience of wage inequality.