an article by Alex Nunn (University of Derby, UK) published in British Politics Volume 11 Issue 4 (December 2016)
Abstract
Inequality appears to be back on the intellectual and political agenda.
This paper provides a commentary on this renewed interest, drawing on an empirical discussion of inequality in the UK. The paper argues that inequality should be seen as produced in the inherently unequal social relations of production, drawing attention to the role of social struggle in shaping dynamics of inequality.
However, inequality is not just produced in dynamic class struggle in the formal economy, but also through the social reproduction of labour power on a day-to-day and inter-generational basis. As such, inequalities of household resources at any point in time may be reproductive of greater future inequality.
It is argued that inequality has risen in the UK over recent decades because of changes in the social relations of production in the formal economy and social reproduction in the domestic sector, both of which have witnessed significant state interventions that have increased structural inequalities.
It is argued that, absent of significant change, the underpinning structural dynamics in the UK will lead to further increases in inequality over the short and longer-term. Given this, we might expect to see an already emergent ‘New Politics of Inequality’ intensifying in the coming decades.
Showing posts with label inter-generational_mobility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inter-generational_mobility. Show all posts
Thursday, 23 February 2017
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
The political economy of competitiveness and social mobility
an article by Alex Nunn (Leeds Metropolitan University, UK) published in British Politics Volume 7 Issue 2 (June 2012)
Abstract
Social mobility has become a mainstream political and media issue in recent years in the United Kingdom. This article suggests that part of the reason for this is that it can serve as a mechanism to discuss policy concerns that appear to be about social justice without questioning important aspects of neo-liberal political economy.
The article charts the policy rhetoric on social mobility under both New Labour and the current Coalition Government.
It is argued first that under New Labour the apparent commitment to social mobility was in fact subsumed beneath the pursuit of neo-liberal competitiveness, albeit imperfectly realised in policy.
Second, the article suggests that under the Coalition Government the commitment to raising levels of social mobility has been retained and the recently published Strategy for Social Mobility [see update from Office of the DPM April 2012] promises that social mobility is what the Coalition means when it argues that the austerity programme is balanced with ‘fairness’.
Third, however, the Strategy makes clear that the Coalition defines social mobility in narrower terms than the previous government. It is argued here that in narrowing the definition the connection with the idea of competitiveness, while still clearly desirable for the Coalition, is weakened.
Fourth, a brief analysis of the Coalition’s main policy announcements provides little evidence to suggest that even the narrow definition set out in the Strategy is being seriously pursued.
Fifth, the international comparative evidence suggests that any strategy aimed at genuinely raising the level of social mobility would need to give much more serious consideration to narrowing levels of inequality.
Finally, it is concluded that when considered in the light of the arguments above, the Strategy for Social Mobility – and therefore ‘Fairness’ itself – is merely a discursive legitimation of the wider political economy programme of austerity.
Abstract
Social mobility has become a mainstream political and media issue in recent years in the United Kingdom. This article suggests that part of the reason for this is that it can serve as a mechanism to discuss policy concerns that appear to be about social justice without questioning important aspects of neo-liberal political economy.
The article charts the policy rhetoric on social mobility under both New Labour and the current Coalition Government.
It is argued first that under New Labour the apparent commitment to social mobility was in fact subsumed beneath the pursuit of neo-liberal competitiveness, albeit imperfectly realised in policy.
Second, the article suggests that under the Coalition Government the commitment to raising levels of social mobility has been retained and the recently published Strategy for Social Mobility [see update from Office of the DPM April 2012] promises that social mobility is what the Coalition means when it argues that the austerity programme is balanced with ‘fairness’.
Third, however, the Strategy makes clear that the Coalition defines social mobility in narrower terms than the previous government. It is argued here that in narrowing the definition the connection with the idea of competitiveness, while still clearly desirable for the Coalition, is weakened.
Fourth, a brief analysis of the Coalition’s main policy announcements provides little evidence to suggest that even the narrow definition set out in the Strategy is being seriously pursued.
Fifth, the international comparative evidence suggests that any strategy aimed at genuinely raising the level of social mobility would need to give much more serious consideration to narrowing levels of inequality.
Finally, it is concluded that when considered in the light of the arguments above, the Strategy for Social Mobility – and therefore ‘Fairness’ itself – is merely a discursive legitimation of the wider political economy programme of austerity.
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