Join RSA Fellows in ANZ and elsewhere as we explore the causes and consequences of rising inequality across OECD countries, and the impact on individuals, communities and economies.
Inequality is increasing almost everywhere across the world. According the 2018 World Inequality Report, the gap between rich and poor has reached historical highs in most OECD countries and is rapidly increasing. Stagnant wage growth, unequal access to education, deindustrialization, and financialization of the economy are among the key drivers of inequality in the US, UK and Australia.
Inequality carries high economic and social costs, undermining social cohesion by driving a wedge between those seen to be benefitting from the economy and those who are not.
But the effects of inequality are not confined to those at the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum. Recent research suggests that inequality makes us all worse off – even the wealthy.
Many economists argue that prolonged inequality has a negative long-term effect on growth and productivity, and increases the risk of economic instability. Countries with bigger income differences between rich and poor also tend to suffer from a heavier burden of health and social problems, from increased crime rates, to lower life expectancy and higher instances of mental and physical illness.
The combination of rising inequality and widespread economic anxietyrepresents a fundamental challenge for OECD countries and calls into question the sustainability of their long-standing economic and social models.
In this online event, Professor Roy Green and Emeritus Professor Bob Douglas explore the dynamics of inequality and look at why it has such a profound impact on our quality of life. They will be joined by Ed Cox, Director of the RSA's Public Services and Communities team, and Jamie Cooke, Head of RSA Scotland.
This event will be held at:
- 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm AEST
- 9:00am – 10:30am BST
Please direct any questions about this event to philipa.duthie@thersa.org.
Joining instructions will be sent to attendees upon registration.