British Academy debates: inequalities

In our sixth series of Debates, the British Academy will be exploring one of the greatest challenges of our time: inequalities. Whilst inequalities, on a number of key dimensions, have risen rapidly in most countries over the last thirty years, their prominence in political debate is more recent. It is particularly fitting that this year the British Academy Debates will gain an international platform, with a Debate in Brussels, Belgium in partnership with the Académie Royale des Sciences, des Lettres et des Beaux-Arts de Belgique. This event will follow the first two Debates in Edinburgh and London, and the series will conclude with a final Debate in London.

At these four events, the public will have the chance to hear how the humanities and social sciences can help us to respond to the challenges that inequalities present. Panels of academics, commentators and journalists will explore what types of inequalities are of most concern to policymakers, both domestically and globally. They will also examine strains on democracy associated with a social and economic systems where there are great differences in rights, opportunities, status and education, health, incomes and wealth. We open our season with an event in Edinburgh on 4th October, which explores these questions.

As our first London Debate on 19th October will discuss, there can be tension between the equality of voting and other rights and the distribution of wealth. We must ask ourselves how far this tension can be contained if inequalities rise, and whether current problems of democracy, feelings of disaffection or powerlessness, mistrust of institutions and those in positions of power, declining voting participation, can be partly attributed to growing inequalities.

The impact of inequalities on individuals will be explored in our third debate. Taking place in Brussels, this event will explore how job opportunities, both quality and quantity, in Europe could be improved. Employment in Europe has become increasingly divided into high and low skilled work. More people are being forced into low-paid, precarious, temporary or part-time activities or positions. Clearly, this has implications for the lives and well-being of those who are worst affected. Our panel will explore the extent to which, and how, companies, policy-makers, and civil security and servants should be concerned about these developments, their implications for society and the economy and what can or should be done in terms of policy or action.

Inequalities constitute a global issue. It is therefore fitting that our final Debate will focus on global inequalities. During this Debate our speakers will consider the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. These 17 closely interlinked goals cover a range of issues. They demonstrate the breadth of the challenges around inequalities, ranging from reducing inequalities within and among countries, to gender equalities.

There are complex issues at play which support and reinforce inequalities. Some argue that big disparities in wealth and income could be a sign of a strong and healthy economy and society, reflecting opportunities and that “some people become richer before others” (Deng Xiaoping). But it can also be argued that inequalities hinder economic growth and sustainability, endanger health and cohesiveness, and so on. We must consider and reflect carefully. Is strong or urgent action required? If so, how we can go about reversing inequalities? Research, scholarship and reflection from leading academics is essential here.

I am delighted that such an interesting range of speakers have agreed to take part in these events, in which leading minds from the humanities and social sciences will push forward analytical, political and public debate: the public will hear from Fellows of the British Academy and leading inequality researchers, as well as journalists from publications ranging from The Financial Times and the Guardian to the Spectator and Prospect—our media partner for the series. They will be joined by eminent figures working in spheres where inequalities are becoming more important than ever, such as the CEO of Oxfam Great Britain, the Managing Director of the Gates Foundation, and the General Secretary for Europe’s trade unions.

I look forward to hearing the discussions and insights from our panels in the months to come, and urge people to register and find out more on the British Academy’s website: www.britishacademy.ac.uk/inequalities