On May 1, 2015, Robert Solow (Professor of Economics, Emeritus, MIT) and Paul Krugman (Distinguished Professor of Economics, The Graduate Center, beginning Fall 2015) discussed Anthony B. Atkinson’s new book, Inequality: What Can Be Done? (Harvard University Press, 2015) at the Russell Sage Foundation in New York City.
Solow and Krugman’s conversation was introduced and moderated by LIS Director Janet Gornick, professor of Political Science and Sociology at the Graduate Center.
The British economist and renowned inequality scholar Tony Atkinson (Oxford and London School of Economics) argues that economic inequality has reached unacceptable levels in many countries. In this ambitious book, Atkinson lays out an agenda for reducing inequality. His policy proposals span five areas: technology, employment, the sharing of capital, taxation, and social security.
Inequality: What Can Be Done? is a vigorous and powerful call to action, rich in theory, evidence, and practical experience. Solow and Krugman examine the desirability, viability, and feasibility of Atkinson’s policy recommendations – with an eye toward translating his arguments into the United States context.
We’re not backing down in the face of Trump’s threats.
As Donald Trump is inaugurated a second time, independent media organizations are faced with urgent mandates: Tell the truth more loudly than ever before. Do that work even as our standard modes of distribution (such as social media platforms) are being manipulated and curtailed by forces of fascist repression and ruthless capitalism. Do that work even as journalism and journalists face targeted attacks, including from the government itself. And do that work in community, never forgetting that we’re not shouting into a faceless void – we’re reaching out to real people amid a life-threatening political climate.
Our task is formidable, and it requires us to ground ourselves in our principles, remind ourselves of our utility, dig in and commit.
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