Inequalities and the Post-2015 Development Agenda (Beyond 2015 Brief No. 2)

Income inequalities between and within countries have worsened in recent decades. Gender inequalities are narrowing at a snail’s pace. Citizenship and location continue to determine life chances, despite the increasing integration of economies. Policy instruments to promote equality of outcome have largely been neglected in the name of approaches that claim to create “equality of opportunity”. This has failed to stem the tide of inequality. Current social discontent and distrust of government highlight the urgency of addressing inequality head-on: it should be high on the post-2015 development agenda, both as a goal in itself and reflected in targets for other goals.

The original brief was prepared by Rheem Al-Adhami. It is based on a Concept Note submitted
to the UN Task Team Working Group, “Emerging Issue of Inequality (Including Gender)”, authored by Shahra Razavi.

UNRISD’s "Beyond 2015" Briefs contribute research-based insight and analysis to the dialogue around the post–MDG development agenda. They highlight key information in a concise format, with references to further in-depth reading, useful to policy makers, activists and academics alike. This text was originally published as UNRISD Research and Policy Brief 15 (October 2012). It is being reissued because of its continued relevance to current discussions shaping the post-2015 development agenda.