1 thought on “The new Washington consensus – time to fight rising inequality – Guardian”
For now, the “consensus” is only that inequality should no longer be presumed to be benign. Though some landmark studies are being followed by interesting research,* too little is confidently known about the causes, effects, and solutions of inequality to build coalitions and guide policy. And what is known and even routinely taught (eg countercyclical fiscal policy) often faces opposition that is as entrenched as it is discredited. Still, meetings on inequality that include Justin Welby, Christine Lagarde, Mark Carney et al may help to sustain and broaden interest in the problem. It would be helpful to see some discussion among Christians about our own perspective on it (cf Elaine Storkey’s essay here in Fulcrum).
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For now, the “consensus” is only that inequality should no longer be presumed to be benign. Though some landmark studies are being followed by interesting research,* too little is confidently known about the causes, effects, and solutions of inequality to build coalitions and guide policy. And what is known and even routinely taught (eg countercyclical fiscal policy) often faces opposition that is as entrenched as it is discredited. Still, meetings on inequality that include Justin Welby, Christine Lagarde, Mark Carney et al may help to sustain and broaden interest in the problem. It would be helpful to see some discussion among Christians about our own perspective on it (cf Elaine Storkey’s essay here in Fulcrum).
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* Locally, this– http://harvardmagazine.com/2014/07/rebooting-social-science