Growth Privileges Few The quintessential promise of growth is "a rising tide lifts all boats In theory, as an economy grows, it generates higher wages, income, and wealth for all. In reality, the benefits of growth are unevenly distributed, creating extreme inequalities. of income, wealth, and power. We agree that over the long run, increasing growth has lifted the tide for millions around the world. However, a share of the global population has seen their patchwork-rafts capsize, many struggle to keep their leaky. boats afloat, and a tiny fraction upgraded to nicer yachts.