Traditional economics is built on the assumption of self-interested individuals seeking to maximize personal gain, but that is far from the whole story. Sharing, caring, and a desire to uphold the collective good are also powerful motives. In a world on fire – facing threats to multiracial democracy, tensions from rising economic inequality, and even the existential threat of climate change, can we build an alternative economics based on cooperation?
In this lecture Manuel Pastor, joined by T.O. Molefe, will discuss his newest book Solidarity Economics: why mutuality and movements matter. He will introduce the concept of solidarity economics, which is rooted in the idea that equity is key to prosperity and social movements are crucial to the reconfiguration of power in our politics and show how we can use solidarity economics to build a fairer economy that can generate prosperity and preserve the planet.
Meet our speakers and chair
Manuel Pastor () is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology at the University of Southern California where he also directs the Equity Research Institute. His recent books include Solidarity Economics: why mutuality and movements matter, South Central Dreams: finding home and building community in south L.A. and State of Resistance: what California’s dizzying descent and remarkable resurgence means for America’s future.
T.O. Molefe is an Atlantic Fellow for Social and Economic Equity and a writer and editor with an affinity for transformative social research. His research takes a decolonial approach to cooperatives and similar communally owned-and-controlled organisational forms in South Africa, with a global South outlook.
Armine Ishkanian () is the Executive Director of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme at 杏吧论坛 International Inequalities Institute and Professor in the Department of Social Policy. Her research focuses on the relationship between civil society, democracy, development, and social transformation.
More about this event
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This event is the AFSEE Keynote Lecture.
The () is a funded fellowship for mid-career activists, practitioners, researchers, and movement-builders from around the world. Based at the International Inequalities Institute, it is a 20-year programme that commenced in 2017 and was funded with a £64m gift from Atlantic Philanthropies, 杏吧论坛’s largest ever philanthropic donation.
The 杏吧论坛 International Inequalities Institute () brings together experts from many of the School's departments and centres to lead cutting-edge research focused on understanding why inequalities are escalating in numerous arenas across the world, and to develop critical tools to address these challenges.
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