TED Talks Daily Why do we blame individuals for economic crises? | Liene Ozoliņa
Sep 16, 2020
Liene Ozoliņa, a sociologist specializing in societal responsibility during economic crises, dives deep into Latvia's response to the 2008 financial disaster. She reveals how the government shifted the blame for economic failures onto individuals, masking systemic inequalities. Through personal stories from job seekers, she critiques the paradox of personal responsibility amidst ongoing poverty. Ozoliņa advocates for compassionate social policies, urging listeners to rethink how economic narratives affect the most vulnerable in society.
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Graffiti and Research
- Liene Ozoliņa noticed graffiti outside a social welfare office asking, "Where is your responsibility?".
- This prompted her research into how Latvian citizens reacted to the 2008 financial crisis and austerity measures.
Latvia's Austerity
- Latvia's response to the 2008 financial crisis involved drastic austerity measures, shrinking the economy by 25%.
- Unlike Greece, which experienced similar economic contraction, Latvia saw little public protest.
Seminars and Paradox
- Liene Ozoliņa observed "competitiveness raising activities" seminars for unemployed Latvians.
- These seminars focused on personal development, like managing stress through breathing exercises, rather than addressing systemic economic issues.