In "The Price of Inequality," Joseph E. Stiglitz argues that the wealth disparity caused by the top 1 percent significantly undermines society's fundamental values. This concentration of wealth leads to a diminishing sense of fairness and equality, affecting not just economic opportunities but also the fabric of community life. As wealth becomes increasingly unequal, basic principles that promote collective well-being and social cohesion fray, causing individuals to feel disconnected from one another.

Stiglitz emphasizes that the greatest cost of this inequality is the erosion of identity that arises when fairness and equal opportunity are sacrificed. He suggests that as society becomes more divided, the shared values that foster cooperation and support within communities are compromised. The implications extend beyond economics, threatening the social structures that are essential for a harmonious and just society.