Report on Inequality and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Adam Smith, an 18th-century economist and philosopher often associated with capitalism, viewed inequality as morally corrupting. He argued that capitalism fosters admiration for the rich and powerful while neglecting the poor. This perspective contrasts with many modern free-market advocates who dismiss economic egalitarianism as a political left invention.

Historical and Contemporary Views on Inequality

David Lay Williams, in The Greatest of All Plagues, challenges the neoliberal dismissal of inequality, highlighting a conservative tradition emphasizing prudence, loyalty, and stewardship. Despite this, neoliberalism remains dominant, viewing inequality as a natural outcome of free markets and meritocracy.

Public Attitudes Toward Inequality

1. Research conducted by the Fairness Foundation and Ipsos in 33 nations revealed that pluralities attribute success to individual merit and effort rather than structural factors.
2. 38% of Britons, 45% of Americans, and 43% on average across countries identify as “individualists.”
3. The meritocratic myth—“you can make it if you try”—persists despite evidence to the contrary.

Growing Awareness and Concern

• Over 40% of people in the US and UK view inequality as a major national problem.
• Pew Research Center polling across 36 countries confirms that majorities see the rich-poor gap as a significant issue.

Opportunities for Change

There is an opening to shift public mindset towards recognizing structural barriers to opportunity. A report by FrameWorks UK suggests effective communication strategies to focus public attention on these barriers.

Fairness as a Framework for Addressing Inequality

The Fairness Foundation proposes five “fair necessities” to build consensus across political views, which align closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions):

• Fair essentials: Ensuring basic needs are met so no one lives in poverty and everyone can contribute socially. (SDG 1, SDG 2)
• Fair opportunities: Removing barriers to equal opportunity for success. (SDG 4, SDG 8)
• Fair rewards: Rewarding individuals based on their societal and economic contributions. (SDG 8)
• Fair exchange: Encouraging tax contributions and societal support for those in need. (SDG 10, SDG 17)
• Fair treatment: Ensuring equal respect, influence, and treatment according to need. (SDG 5, SDG 16)

Intergenerational Impact and Policy Implications

Unequal outcomes in one generation perpetuate unequal opportunities in the next, underscoring the need to reduce inequality to build fair societies. Political leaders who align values with visions of fairness and equality can gain electoral support, as demonstrated by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s “social patriotism,” which embraces government intervention and values fairness and respect.

Conclusion

Addressing socio-economic inequality is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those targeting poverty reduction and inequality. Effective communication and policy action can build broad public and political consensus, making the pursuit of fairness both necessary and popular worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article emphasizes the need for everyone to have their basic needs met so no one lives in poverty.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – It discusses fair rewards for hard work and removing barriers to equal opportunities for success.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Central to the article is tackling socio-economic inequality and promoting fairness in society.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article highlights fair treatment, equal respect, and influence on decisions, which relate to inclusive institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 1 Targets:
   • 1.1 – Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
   • 1.2 – Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty.
2. SDG 8 Targets:
   • 8.5 – Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
   • 8.3 – Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
3. SDG 10 Targets:
   • 10.1 – Achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40% of the population at a rate higher than the national average.
   • 10.2 – Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
4. SDG 16 Targets:
   • 16.7 – Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
   • 16.b – Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Public Attitudes and Perceptions:
   • Polling data on public views about inequality and meritocracy (e.g., percentage identifying as individualists, concern about inequality).
2. Income and Wealth Distribution Metrics:
   • Indicators measuring the gap between rich and poor, such as income share held by the bottom 40%.
3. Access to Basic Needs and Opportunities:
   • Proportion of population with access to essentials to avoid poverty.
   • Measures of barriers to equal opportunities.
4. Fairness in Treatment and Participation:
   • Indicators on equal respect and influence in decision-making processes.
   • Tax compliance and social support participation rates.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: inequality.org