New markets, new opportunities : economic and social mobility in a changing world

Many of the countries that have recently converted to a market-based economic system have also experienced an alarming increase in income inequality - a widening gap between the haves and the have-nots.

This text asks to what extent the increasing inequality seemingly inherent in - and integral to - a market-based economy also increases the the opportunities for economic advancement.

It highlights the importance of finding the answer this question by examining the issues of social mobility and opportunity as an essential part of the income inequality puzzle.