Antitrust and Inequality: The History of (In)Equality in Competition Law and Its Guide to the Future

Abstract

Is equality a value of competition law, and can competition law help to close the growing wealth/income inequality gaps? To help answer these questions, this paper explores the history of equality in the competition laws of four key jurisdictions and uses the studies as a guide to what we can expect competition law to do and not do to reduce inequality. It finds equality values deeply embedded in the antitrust jurisprudence of most (at least representative) jurisdictions, and draws connections that inevitably, albeit indirectly, impact wealth and income. It concludes: Do not overestimate, and do not underestimate, what the equality value can do.