In "The Price of Inequality," Joseph E. Stiglitz discusses the paradox of individuals striving to support their families through hard work but inadvertently sacrificing family time and well-being. As they dedicate more hours to their jobs, they find themselves with diminishing opportunities to connect with loved ones, which ultimately leads to the deterioration of family life. This contradiction highlights a significant disconnect between the means of achieving success and the intended goal of fostering a healthy family environment.

Stiglitz argues that individuals often believe that financial prosperity will enhance their family life; however, the relentless pursuit of income can result in unhappiness and disconnection within the family unit. The hard work that people undertake, assumed to strengthen their familial relationships, may instead create an imbalance, undermining the very stability they seek to provide. This situation serves as a reflection of broader socio-economic issues, raising questions about the values underpinning contemporary society and the impact of inequality on family dynamics.