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Redesigning the Economy: Resistance to Change

Learning activity

Professor Ghosh stated that the economy enables corporations and wealthy individuals to perpetuate inequities through methods like lobbying and in some cases, intellectual property patents.

Do you agree or disagree with her assertion? Why or why not?

Key Takeaways

In this chapter, Professor Jayati Ghosh emphasised the human origin of the economy, challenging the perception that economic systems are inevitable forces. She urged a shift in mindset, asserting that society has the power to shape and reform the economy for the greater good.

  1. Human choices, rather than rigid economic laws, determine the form and function of the economy.

  2. However, there is resistance to change, primarily from those benefiting from the existing system - large capital owners like corporations and wealthy individuals - highlighting the need for global regulation to improve wealth distribution.

  3. Mobilisation of citizens is vital to hold governments accountable and demand equality in areas like taxation and knowledge sharing.

Download Key Takeaways (PDF)
Further Readings
  1. Tax Justice NetworkWhat is a global asset register?
  2. WTO (2024)Overview: the TRIPS Agreement
  3. Medecins Sans Frontieres (2020)Governments must demand pharma make all COVID-19 vaccine deals public
  4. Robert Hart (2020)Operation Warp Speed Has Over $6 Billion In Secret Covid-19 Vaccine Contracts Evading ScrutinyForbes
  5. Jayati Ghosh (2017)Development for Whom?Great Transition Initiative