> and it follows that the need for continuous growth is then _exacerbated_ by the continuous increase in income disparity.
Not necessarily, not only is growth not bound to income disparity; once people's basic needs are meet (health care, minimum living benefits while out of job), the disparity is no longer a humanitarian issue.
More yet, what today goes to middle class in most developed and developing countries used to be the best upper class could get. There is a lot that can be done, of course, but the general state of humanity is on an upwards trend with economy.
Not necessarily, not only is growth not bound to income disparity; once people's basic needs are meet (health care, minimum living benefits while out of job), the disparity is no longer a humanitarian issue.
More yet, what today goes to middle class in most developed and developing countries used to be the best upper class could get. There is a lot that can be done, of course, but the general state of humanity is on an upwards trend with economy.