E c o n o m i c &
Inequality Matters
A f f a i r s
Built on positive examples of what can work and what has worked in different countries, the Report offers a series of key policy recommendations for consideration, illustrating that countries that have used redistributed fiscal policy measures, developed universal social protection programmes, with emphasis on education and health spending, and those that have increased labour market opportunities for those at the bottom, have better weathered the general trend towards growing within-country inequality. The analysis and policy conclusions contained in the Report seeks to provide useful inputs for the ongoing multi-shareholder consultations to elaborate the post-2015 global development agenda, and serve as a policy-making guide on social-economic issues.
S o c i a l
The 2013 Report on World Social Situation follows the 2005 Report, which warned the world of an inequality predicament causing all to pay the price. The 2013 Report puts greater emphasis on the consequences of high inequality. A unique contribution of the 2013 Report is that it draws special attention to the challenges facing disadvantaged and marginalized social groups, pointing out that inequality is also an issue of social justice. People want to live in societies that are fair, where hard work is rewarded, and where one’s socioeconomic position can be improved regardless of one’s background. However, economic, social, political and cultural inequalities interact, generating persistent disadvantage among members of certain social groups which makes the reduction of inequality a more difficult and complex task. While the Report calls for policy approach to pay attention to the needs of marginalized social groups to achieve equality, it emphasizes that targeted intervention should not become a substitute for universal coverage.
Inequality Matters
The 2013 Report on World Social Situation: Inequality Matters brings attention to inequality, with a particular focus on policies and the disadvantaged social groups. Tracing recent trends, the Report shows that inequality matters not only for people living in poverty, but also for the overall wellbeing of society at large. The Report demonstrates that growing inequality is neither destiny nor a necessary price to pay for economic growth. It examines the experience of some countries that have defied the general trend and have managed to reduce inequality, showing that policies and institutions can make a difference. Domestic policies especially play a crucial role. The Report shows positive examples in some countries in reducing inequalities even under an uncertain and volatile global environment during the latest global economic and financial crises.
Report on the World Social Situation 2013
United Nations publication ST/ESA/345 Sales No. 13.IV.2 ISBN: 978-92-1-130322-3 eISBN: 978-92-1-056503-5
Copyright Š United Nations, 2013 All rights reserved
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1/23/14 3:06 PM