Inequality has deep roots in the structure of capitalist economies and the organisation of societies more broadly. Yet concerns about inequality have increased in recent years. Indeed, evidence of the intensification of inequality in the aftermath of economic downturn has underpinned much concern. This is the common starting point for the research questions identified in the four Research Domains.

Inclusion represents part of the response to inequality, and is supported in different ways by international agencies and policy-makers, as well as more radical ‘activists’ and social movements. The Project will explore the potential and limitations of ‘inclusion’, ‘inclusive growth’ and ‘inclusive de-growth’ as frameworks for re-imagining economies in more progressive ways. This will include critical analysis of the continued attachment to economic growth amongst many policy-makers and governance institutions, as well as the value of inclusion as a form of change (inclusion in what, by whom, on whose terms, and to what ends?).

Transformation reflects the emphasis on re-imagining economies from diverse theoretical and political standpoints, and is interpreted broadly in terms of affecting change in theory, concepts, policy and practice. The Project will interrogate notions of inclusive growth from multiple theoretical and methodological perspectives across the four Domains. This will be pursued through collaborative dialogue with both academic and non-academic actors.