The unequal distribution of income and wealth is one of the major issues that economists grapple with. A few years ago, Thomas Piketty's book Capital in the 21st century put the spotlight on growing inequality. Recent research in the US finds that the top-income earners' share of the pie may not have increased as much as previously thought. However, the interesting research is in economic history.

This episode is supported by the NWU Business School.