John a. powell, the Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, discusses the importance of belonging in creating a healthy community and a thriving economy. Topics include the concentration of power, fear's influence on political discourse, targeted universalism, flaws in neoclassical economics, and the impact of income loss and othering.
Belonging is crucial for a healthy community and economy, emphasizing co-creating a society where everyone counts.
Targeted universalism enables true economic inclusion by setting universal goals and addressing specific needs and challenges of marginalized groups.
Deep dives
The Importance of Belonging and Inclusion in Society and Economy
John A. Powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute, discusses the concept of belonging and its significance for creating a healthy community and a thriving economy. He highlights the difference between inclusion and belonging, emphasizing that belonging is about co-creating a society where everyone counts. Powell argues that our current economic system, driven by neoliberalism and concentrated power, hinders belonging and perpetuates racial resentment. He proposes targeted universalism as an approach to address inequalities and ensure that everyone has access to the universal goals of economic security, healthcare, and education. Ultimately, Powell believes that belonging should be the foundation of a democratic and inclusive society.
The Failure of Neoclassical Economics and its Focus on Inequality
The conversation challenges the conventional economic thinking that tends to overlook the importance of inclusion and belonging. It critiques neoclassical economics, arguing that it fails to acknowledge the outcomes of policies and the impact on marginalized groups. The guest highlights the flaws in the notion of economic prosperity predicated on trickle-down economics and concentration of power. He advocates for an economic system where the primary goal is to serve people, addressing wealth inequality, and recognizing the significance of belonging and diverse participation in shaping a high-functioning society.
Targeted Universalism: A Path to Inclusivity and Equity
The discussion introduces the concept of targeted universalism as a framework to achieve true economic inclusion and equity. Targeted universalism involves setting universal goals for society, such as economic security and quality education, while recognizing that different groups face different barriers to achieving these goals. The approach requires focusing on strategies that address the specific needs and challenges faced by marginalized groups, ensuring that everyone has access to the universal goals. By acknowledging the different situations and circumstances that people face, targeted universalism aims to create an inclusive society that serves all members.
Overcoming Racial Resentment and Building a Thriving Democracy
The conversation explores the role of racial resentment in shaping economic and political dynamics. It highlights the significance of belonging as a counterforce to racial resentment, emphasizing the need for true democracy that allows for meaningful participation and decision-making. The guest discusses the impact of racial anxiety on politics and policies, pointing out the need to address racial inequalities and create a society that values and includes every individual. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the importance of building a more inclusive and equitable society that prioritizes belonging and recognizes the inherent worth of every person.
If you’re a long-time listener, you’ve definitely heard us discuss the golden rule of middle out economics: The more people you include in the economy, the faster and more prosperous it grows for everybody. The Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute, john a. powell, agrees that inclusion is the key to a thriving economy, and he joins us to explain why the concept of belonging is so important for a healthy community.
