Back | Programme Area: Social Policy and Development, Transformative Social Policy

Inequality and the 1%: Is a Transformative Fiscal Policy Possible?

• Event Brief: 8
• Code: EB8
• Project Title: Overcoming Inequalities in a Fractured World: Between Elite Power and Social Mobilization
• Programme Area: Social Policy and Development, Transformative Social Policy
• Author(s): Maggie Carter

Tackling inequality requires more than raising people out of poverty; it depends on progressive and substantial shifts in fiscal policy, an essential equality-enhancing instrument with the potential to do three things: (1) raise necessary revenues for public spending which tackles vertical and horizontal inequalities; (2) stem market incentives for accumulation of income and wealth at the top; and (3) forge a credible fiscal compact between citizens and the state. But how can such progressive policies be implemented while those in power benefit from the status quo?

UNRISD Event Briefs highlight knowledge that can improve the quality of development debates, policy and practice. They offer readers a concise overview and key highlights of the discussions at selected UNRISD project workshops, conferences and international meetings. Through these briefs, UNRISD provides information about its events and the discussions taking place, which may not otherwise be available to interested audiences.

• Publication and ordering details
• Pub. Date: 4 Sep 2019
  Pub. Place: Geneva
  ISSN: 2309-0561
  From: UNRISD/UN Publications