Many formal comparisons of the similarities and differences of Chinese and Western economic models miss the most important point. A real difference is the institutional capacity of the state.

Labour income distribution decreased since the ‘80s in major European countries and U.S.A. (since the ‘90s, in Italy). We will look at the different ways in which these fall occurred.

In a perspective of sustainability the correct answer is to increase green taxes and a ceiling on the material consumption to secure that the distribution of environmental impacts is reasonably fair.