Discussion 2012-11: Why Equality is Better for Everyone

Time: 7:30 onwards, Tuesday 13th November 2012
Venue: The Gatehouse, Tollhouse Hill, Nottingham, NG1 5FS

A discussion on inequalities in health and income, with particular reference to The Spirit Level (Richard Wilkinson & Kate Pickett, 2010). See main Facebook page of Cafe Economique for background links.

The Spirit Level is a book you have to buy but here is a summary from 2010: www.newstatesman.com/society/2010/11/inequality-social-health-essay
Some information, including a response to critics, is on the Equality Trust website: www.equalitytrust.org.uk/resources/response-to-questions
The first four pages of Hugh Noble’s response give a good summary of what The Spirit Level is about (the rest is a discussion on statistical techniques):
www.equalitytrust.org.uk/docs/hughnobletslrevisited.pdf
The Economist special report (For Richer, For Poorer, 13 Oct 2012) has a different perspective: www.economist.com/specialreports. The final section (A True Progressivism) wants to “tackle inequality and boost growth”.

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/226713940793408/

Talk 2011-11: Why Should Economists Focus on Happiness Rather than Growth?

Café Economique Session, Thursday November 24th 2011
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: International Community Centre, Mansfield Road, NG1 3FN

Amanda Smith will address the question:
Why should economists focus on happiness rather than growth?

It is highly sobering to look at studies that demonstrate that the huge increase in average income since the 1950s (particularly in rich societies like ours) has NOT been accompanied by an increase in levels of happiness, nor by a narrowing of the gap in inequalities. The aim of this talk is to unpack some of the problems associated with focusing on economic growth as a panacea for all ills and to explore alternative ways of thinking about (and perhaps measuring) how we might provide a happier world, or at the very least a world with far less inequality and misery.

Amanda Smith is a Senior Lecturer in International Studies at Nottingham Trent University and currently researches issues associated with urban resilience, sustainable communities and climate change adaptations. She is a director of a local charity – the Partnership Council – and the third sector advocate on the Green Nottingham Partnership.

Facebook event page