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The gap between rich and poor in OECD countries has widened considerably over the last three decades. That growth in inequality is largely attributable to structural changes in the labour market and to the distribution of salaries. In several countries, societal changes, such as a fall in household size and greater social homogamy, have also played a role, albeit to a lesser extent. Finally, redistribution weakened in half of OECD countries, especially at the end of the 1990s and the start of the 2000s. That long-term increase in income inequality raises social and political concerns, as well as economic ones : income inequality tends to weigh down on GDP growth, under the effect of the ever-greater gap between the 40% poorest and the rest of the population. Political approaches to be considered can be grouped around four themes : the role of education, the continuing search for equality between women and men, the creation of jobs that are, above all else, of sufficient quality, and the role of redistribution arrangements.