Inequality, Oligarchy, and Dynasty

• Main Author: Mendoza, Ronald U
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2023
• Subjects: conflict of interest; inequality; oligarchs; political dynasty; rent-seeking; Economic Policy; Economics; Inequality and Stratification; Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration; Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/asog-pubs/277; https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/15mendoza-51123.pdf
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

Although some scholars frame inequality as a necessary step towards economic growth, this paper highlights its double-edged nature by examining oligarchy and dynasty as elements of inequality in the Philippine context. The best way to ascertain whether inequality can be advantageous for development is to examine how it shapes the context that it works in. The presence of political dynasties is then evaluated based on their impact on patterns of leadership in the country, whereas business oligarchs are assessed by their influence over the structure of the economy. The paper concludes with a three-point agenda to address the root of inequality in the Philippines and enhance genuine competition in the political arena and the market economy.