In his book, "The Price of Inequality," Joseph E. Stiglitz discusses the unfairness in the current tax system, highlighting how wealthier individuals often pay a smaller percentage of their income in taxes compared to those with lower incomes. This disparity results in a situation where the rich are able to retain more of their wealth, leading to greater economic inequality.

Stiglitz emphasizes that this engineered tax structure perpetuates a cycle of inequality, undermining the social fabric and economic stability of society. The author argues that as those at the top benefit disproportionately, the burden falls more heavily on poorer individuals, exacerbating the divide and posing risks to future societal cohesion and economic health.