Which Inequality? The Inequality of Resources Versus the Inequality of Rewards

We introduce a new distinction between inequality in initial endowments
(e.g., ability, inherited wealth) and inequality of what one can
obtain as rewards (e.g., prestigious positions, money). We show that,
when society allocates resources via tournaments, these two types
of inequality have opposing effects on equilibrium behavior and
well-being. Greater inequality of rewards hurts most people—both
the middle class and the poor—who are forced into greater effort.
Conversely, greater inequality of endowments benefits the middle
class. Thus, the correctness of our intuitions about the implications
of inequality is hugely affected by the type of inequality considered.