The political economy of inequality

Political economist Frank Stilwell will discuss economic inequality, expose the scale of the problem and provide alternative strategies for a fairer society.

In many countries across the world the gap between the incomes, wealth and living standards of rich and poor people has increased, and it will only widen if we allow the status quo to continue. In this Sydney Ideas event Frank Stilwell draws from his new book on inequality to bring this problem into sharp focus. How did we get here, and what can we — as citizens and as a nation — do about it? Although governments are often committed to ‘growth at all costs’ and ‘trickle-down’ economics, Frank argues that alternative public policies could be used to narrow the wealth gap.

This event is co-presented by Sydney Ideas with the School of Social and Political Sciences, as part of Social Sciences Week 2019 which showcases the diversity and relevance of social science in the current political climate.

Frank is a well-known critic of conventional economics and an advocate of alternative economic strategies that prioritise social justice and economic sustainability. He has taught for more than 40 years at the University and has twice received the University's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Frank is also Vice President of the Evatt Foundation.

Lisa is Head of the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Sydney. She is also an Academy of Finland Distinguished Professor and has previously held Chairs in Sociology at the University of Manchester and Goldsmiths, University of London. She specialises in economic sociology, social and cultural theory, and feminist theory and is currently Directing a Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Strategic Research Theme on Asset Ownership and the New Inequality.