Wealth and income inequality: two trends, one story
As Oxfam launches it’s Reward Work, Not Wealth report, Diego Vazquez takes us through the difference between income and wealth. One of the most interesting findings in the latest Davos report is that whilst the inequality crisis continues to increase with the accumulation of the world´s wealth by a just few billionaires, global income inequality has decreased during the last …
The harsh realities of rewarding wealth, not work
Iñigo Macías-Aymar outlines the issues with rewarding wealth and not work, and gives an insight into the harsh realities many face as a result. Lan, a garment worker in Vietnam, makes shoes for some of the world’s most famous brands. Despite the overtime, she earns so little that she will never be able to get a pair of the same …
Indignation and inspiration, heartbreak and hope – our 2017
As 2017 draws to a close Catherine Meredith looks back at the many powerful blogs posts, videos and podcasts which we’ve published on Views & Voices this year. My job as editor is a great privilege. I am frequently inspired by colleagues’ passion for overcoming injustice and the innovative ways in which they, and Oxfam, are helping people overcome poverty …
Nine steps to end food poverty in the UK
Christmas is a time of good cheer, giving gifts, and feasting. But for millions in the UK, even the simplest of Christmases is out of reach. In fact, many people will rely on food banks in order to eat. Rachel Alcock and Kathleen Kerridge reflect on the findings of a new report, A Menu to End Hunger in the UK. …
Why tax dodging is a human rights issue
Last week in the wake of the Paradise Papers scandal Mark Goldring explained how tax dodging deprives already deprived people of basic services like access to water, education and healthcare. But, how does tax affect human rights? Here, Alex May argues that tax dodging can also be seen as a human rights violation. What is tax dodging? Corporations and wealthy people …
Poverty and income inequality are inseparable problems
New research from Oxfam and researchers at the London School of Economics shows a clear link between growing income inequality and income poverty in the UK. Philomena Cullen explores what this means for anti-poverty efforts both nationally and globally. Oxfam’s core purpose is the ending of poverty and suffering. Yet, in recent years, we’ve grown increasingly alarmed by extreme and …
Cracking down on tax dodging, cracking down on poverty
Following the ‘Paradise Papers’ leak of financial documents Mark Goldring explains why Oxfam is calling for greater tax transparency. When businesses dodge taxes the poorest people suffer the consequences: lack of funding for public services. Through Oxfam’s work fighting poverty around the world, I see the devastating impact that not having access to basic services like education, clean water and …
A twin mandate for DFID – what does this mean?
Oxfam’s policy team present their vision for the UK’s aid programme to tackle both poverty and inequality. The Shadow Secretary of State for International Development used her first major speech to announce that any future Labour government would instate a dual poverty/inequality mandate for the Department for International Development (DFID). Oxfam has long warned of the risks of growing extreme …
Podcast: Book banter
[buzzsprout episode=’2559250′ player=’true’] Franziska Mager and Deborah Hardoon take to the air waves to share their thoughts on two books that deal with the economy, wealth and inequality. The Great Escape, by Angus Deaton, and Africa: Why Economists Get It Wrong by Morten Jerven.