This book focuses on the economic and social inequalities that have grown within Western capitalist democracies Training and comparative politics. and innovation policies.Paying attention to diverse types of democracies and to the main features of left-wing parties and of different types of democracies comparative political economy comparative welfare democracy; capitalism; growth; inequality; industrial relations; employment; labour market; welfare; innovation policy; social stratification examining with care the differences between countries rooted in their culture and institutions.It highlights the reaction of advanced democracies to the new challenges brought about by globalization and technological innovation in shaping social inequalities and diverse development paths. It will appeal to students and scholars interested in economic and labour sociology pointing to the role of endogenous institutions that affect social inequalities as well as the relationship between redistribution and economic growth. The book presents extensive comparative research on institutional factors such as industrial relations this contribution also emphasizes the generally overlooked role of politics varieties of capitalism welfare studies welfare systems