The speaker, a Distinguished Fellow at the Law School at The University of Auckland, argues that the gross inequality in income and wealth which besets New Zealand is the outcome of the neo-liberal economic measures of the mid-1980s and early 1990s and the culture of liberal individualism and unfettered free market ideology which it spawned.
A breakdown in social cohesion and a sense of community is the result. Reforms to counter this inequality are widely mooted. But increasing focus and discussion on the topic is confronted by a plethora of mantras and myths purveyed by the rich and powerful. The stimulus for change is deadened.
The speaker advances a strategy designed to provide a coherent impetus to reduce the rank inequality that now prevails.
The Rt Hon Sir Edmund Thomas will deliver the 2013 lecture on Wednesday 30 October, 6.30pm, at the Maidment Theatre (bar opens at 5.30pm).
I’m wondering if Ted Thomas’ lecture is going to be made available to read/listen to?
Many thanks
Peter Brittenden
Yes, it will be recorded.
There was also talk of a more formal document going up – covering the main points from Ted’s lecture and going into greater detail for some, specifically debunking the myths of capitalism. Will this be available here?
Cheers
It will be available within a few days.
Would not overcoming the basic socio-economic inequality between mutually suspicious “haves” and “have nots” be of vital importance in a strategy of inequality reduction?
The egalitarianism of at least a minimally meaningful level of personal (retirement) wealth ownership by all citizens eventually is achievable through adding to univwesal rights of entitlement the responsibility of participation in keeping these entitlements sustainable.
Is there a forum for discussing the pros and cons of that ?
Bruce Jesson no doubt would have enjoyed it.