Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny

An even playing field

Apr 23, 2024

Sociologist Mike Savage and Mark Kenny discuss wealth disparity, taxation policies, and racial wealth gaps in the UK and Australia. They explore the impact of elite private school backgrounds on British politics and the challenges in creating a more even playing field. The podcast delves into societal discontent over wealth disparities, racialized wealth gaps, and the implications for social mobility and democracy.

40:01

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Episode guests

Mike Savage

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Wealth inequality leads to political disengagement and challenges in implementing fair tax policies.

Racial wealth gap intersects with class disparities, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies.

Deep dives

Inequality and Social Issues in the UK and Australia

The podcast episode delves into the rising wealth inequality in both the UK and Australia, highlighting the deepening divide between different socioeconomic groups. It emphasizes how economic elites are gaining more influence in policy-making, potentially eroding democratic practices and social mobility. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by renters in the housing market and the need for policies that address wealth inequality for a more equitable society.

Introduction

5min

Elite Private School Influence in British Politics

12min

Wealth Disparities, Taxation Policies, and Generational Issues Discussed

5min

Wealth Inequality and Racial Disparities

16min

Exploring Wealth Inequality and Governance Challenges

3min

Sociologist Mike Savage joins us to talk wealth, inequality and other issues in UK politics.

In the pursuit of a truly egalitarian society, what can we learn from the United Kingdom’s race and class wealth divides? Can politicians implement policies around wealth and taxation without being accused of attacking aspiration? And what impact does the uneven growth of wealth have on political engagement and democracy? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, inequality expert Professor Mike Savage joins Professor Mark Kenny to discuss the wealth divide and how to create a more even playing field.

Thank you also to Professor Mike Savage for his book recommendations: The Inequality of Wealth: Why it matters and how to fix it by Liam Byrne and The Trading Game: A Confession by Gary Stevenson.

Mike Savage is the Martin White Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics, a post traditionally awarded to the most senior professor in the department, and a Fellow of the British Academy.

Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.

Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au.

This podcast is produced by The Australian National University.

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