Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

The power that comes with being born really really wealthy is dangerous for America

Income Inequality is almost on a constant loop in the news it seems, but its more dangerous cousin — wealth inequality — often goes unmentioned. In the video above, Ezra Klein explains why wealth inequality should worry you much more than income inequality.

Curious for more? An article that fully explains the doom loop of oligarchy is here. And here is the study where the latest inequality data comes from. We also have a card stack on income inequality, a guide to Thomas Piketty's huge new book on wealth inequality, and a deeper look at the ways the wealthy use Super PACs and dark moneyto influence the political process.

Each Vox Explains video is a team effort, and this time the team was:

Narration: Ezra Klein
Direction: Joe Posner
Written by: Ezra Klein & Joe Posner
Design & Animation: Bran Dougherty-Johnson
Score & Sound Design: Shay Lynch


See More:

More in Video

Video
What would J.R.R. Tolkien think of Palantir?What would J.R.R. Tolkien think of Palantir?
Play
Video

How The Lord of the Rings lore helps explain the mysterious tech company.

By Benjamin Stephen
America, Actually
The progressive plan to reclaim the working classThe progressive plan to reclaim the working class
Podcast
America, Actually

Progressive caucus chair Rep. Greg Casar on his movement’s new playbook.

By Astead Herndon
Video
The Department of Holy WarThe Department of Holy War
Play
Video

What Pete Hegseth’s fascination with the Crusades can tell us about the war in Iran.

By Nate Krieger
Video
Live Nation lost. Will anything change for ticket prices?Live Nation lost. Will anything change for ticket prices?
Play
Video

A jury ruled Live Nation and Ticketmaster a monopoly, but what that means for ticket prices is not so simple.

By Frank Posillico
Eating the Ocean
Why are states unleashing millions of these fish?Why are states unleashing millions of these fish?
Play
Eating the Ocean

America’s fishing paradox.

By Nate Krieger
Video
Why Americans can’t escape credit card debtWhy Americans can’t escape credit card debt
Play
Video

Credit card APRs are now as high as 20 percent.

By Frank Posillico