In "The Price of Inequality," Joseph E. Stiglitz argues that the current economic system disproportionately favors the wealthy, with wealth flowing from lower and middle classes to the top. This transfer of wealth is described as inefficient, contrasting the relatively small gains for the elite with the significant losses experienced by those at the bottom and in the middle. Stiglitz highlights the detrimental effects of this system on society as a whole, suggesting that inequality not only harms individuals but also jeopardizes the future stability and health of the economy.

Stiglitz's work serves as a critical examination of the structural flaws within the economic system, illuminating how these flaws contribute to greater inequality. He advocates for a reevaluation of policies that perpetuate this disparity, emphasizing the need for a more equitable distribution of resources. By addressing these challenges, the hope is to create a more balanced society where wealth accumulation does not come at the expense of the majority.