Overview
Across the developed world there has been a persistent and growing de-coupling between the performance of national economies and the lived experiences of many citizens. Economies have grown, but in many countries large numbers of families have not shared in that growth but rather experienced income stagnation and reduced economic security. Likewise, productivity has increased but most of the gains have flowed to owners of capital rather than workers. At the same time, in a number of countries, social mobility has decreased as has inter-generational equity - the next generation will likely be the first in modern times to earn less than their parents.
This de-coupling has helped fuel the rise of populist politics and raised deep questions as to whether the current model of capitalism dominant in the West can deliver on its promises to its citizens. Looking ahead, disruptions from technological change and the existential threat of climate change raise even more profound questions as to whether capitalism can survive in its current form, or whether some new form of socio-economic organisation is required.
The Economic Paradigm Change initiative is examining these questions by synthesising work across INET Oxford’s research portfolio, conducting original research, and engaging with a global network of scholars and practitioners. The initiative takes a cross-disciplinary perspective drawing ideas from complex systems theory, behavioural science, theories of cultural evolution, sociology, political science, history, philosophy, and many other fields. Outputs of the project include publications, workshops, conference presentations, teaching materials, and both scholarly and general audience books.
