Key Arguments in Angus Deaton's Book - The Great Escape

Angus Deaton's book "The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality" is a critique of global economic development and its impact on health and wellbeing.

The key arguments of the book can be summarized as follows:

1. The global economy has experienced unprecedented growth and development over the past century, which has led to significant improvements in standards of living and life expectancy. For example, global life expectancy at birth has increased from around 30 years in 1900 to around 70 years in 2021.
2. However, these gains have not been evenly distributed, and many people around the world continue to experience poverty, disease, and premature death. In particular, Deaton argues that inequality is a major barrier to progress, as it limits access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
3. Deaton challenges some of the conventional wisdom about development, arguing that foreign aid and other forms of external assistance are not always effective at promoting sustainable growth and reducing poverty.
4. He also critiques the role of large multinational corporations in perpetuating inequality and exploiting vulnerable populations.
5. In addition to these critiques, Deaton offers a number of recommendations for promoting inclusive growth and reducing inequality. These include investing in education and healthcare, promoting democratic institutions and civil society, and creating economic policies that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Overall, Deaton's book provides a nuanced and data-driven analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the global economy in the 21st century. By highlighting the importance of inequality and its impact on health and wellbeing, Deaton makes a compelling case for policies that prioritize social justice and equity.