 How do we make Britain more equal?
Fabian work on life chances has had a significant impact on policy and political discussion of inequality, setting a challenging agenda to make Britain more equal at a time when each of the three main parties claims that social justice will be a central concern.
A successful strategy for inequalities must work at three levels:
Philosophy: Why does inequality matter? Which inequalities matter most and why?
Policy: What policies are required is capable of narrowing the gaps in life chances?
Politics: How can a public case for greater equality be made in a compelling way, to build a winning coalition capable of mobiliisng the support and resources required?
The 'equal life chances' agenda recognises that today's unequal outcomes shape tomorrow's unequal opportunities, and has a particularly strong concern with the intergenerational transmission of inequalities, to prevent life chances being so strongly determined by the circumstances into which we are born as they are at present.
The Fabian Life Chances Commission report, published in 2006, had influenced the government's strategy for ending child poverty, and was praised for its innovative deliberative research into public attitudes to inequality and poverty. Its argument for a 'pre-birth' inequalities agenda influenced the Chancellor's decision to extend child benefit from the 29th week of pregnancy.
In 2007, we are beginning major research projects on educational inequalities, and on examining the role of the state and civil society in addressing life chances and inequalities. We will also address how to forge a coherent strategy across major equalities 'strands', seeking to inform the strategy of new Commission for Equality and Human Rights and of campaigners for equality and equalities.
To discuss working with the Fabian Society in this area, please contact Louise Bamfield, Senior Research Fellow or Tim Horton, Research Director.
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