Challenging Economic Assumptions

In today’s episode Gerry is joined by Professor Bridget Fowler, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow. Professor Fowler is interested in social theory (with reference, particularly, to Marx, Bourdieu and social class) and the sociology of culture, including architecture and the obituary. At present she is finishing a book elaborating on this last article, entitled provisionally: Pierre Bourdieu: Reproduction and Social Transformation.
In this episode, Bridget explores the hidden assumptions underpinning mainstream economics and challenges the idea of homo economicus, which is the rational, self-interested individual at the heart of neoclassical and neoliberal theory. Drawing on the work of Pierre Bourdieu, Émile Durkheim, Thomas Piketty and Mariana Mazzucato, the conversation examines how social class, history, culture and power shape economic behaviour in ways conventional economic models often overlook.
Together, Gerry and Bridget unpack the reasons behind persistent inequalities, why wealth has become increasingly concentrated since the 1970s, and how changes to taxation, labour protections and economic policy have transformed modern societies. They also explore whether alternative economic perspectives can reshape public policy and what role social movements might play in creating more equitable futures.
Whether you’re interested in economics, sociology, public policy or social justice, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on the ideas that shape our economies and everyday lives.
 
Interested in learning more?
The ideas discussed in this episode draw on a rich body of work across sociology, economics and political economy. Here are some recommended starting points:
Books
Pierre Bourdieu – Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste
Pierre Bourdieu, 2000, Pascalian Meditations, Cambridge: Polity.
Pierre Bourdieu’s The State Nobility (Polity), chapter 2
Thomas Piketty – Capital in the Twenty-First Century
Thomas Piketty – Capital and Ideology
Mariana Mazzucato – The Value of Everything
Émile Durkheim – The Division of Labour in Society

Research and organisations
Sutton Trust reports on educational inequality and social mobility
World Inequality Database (WID)
OECD reports on inequality and social mobility

This podcast is supported by University of Glasgow and the Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation (CHiAPRT).

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In today’s episode Gerry and Carmel are joined by Professor Justin O’Connor from Adelaide University. A leading expert in cultural policy, Justin discusses the evolution of culture’s role in society, its commodification, and the importance of re-establishing culture as a foundational social good, crucial to democratic participation and to counteract rising far-right ideologies and societal polarisation.

While culture is often broadly defined as the sum of our shared meanings and interactions - echoing anthropologist Edward Tylor’s notion that “culture is everything that is not nature” - Justin O’Connor focuses on a more specific understanding of “art and culture”. Through images and sounds, movements and rhythms, and poetic language, culture speaks to our place in the world. It enables collective meaning-making and communication through distinctive forms of symbolic knowledge that lie beyond purely rational discourse, offering an indispensable, if sometimes opaque, contribution to our shared social life.

Justin calls for a radical repositioning of culture as a foundational element of society and a core domain of public policy, alongside health, education, social services, and basic infrastructure. Challenging reductionist views that frame culture as merely a market-driven consumer sector (the ‘cultural and creative industries industries’), a luxury, or a component of the ideological superstructure, he instead presents culture as essential to social reproduction, liveability, and citizenship. By prioritising community engagement and sustained advocacy for robust cultural policies, we can ensure that culture continues to thrive alongside economic development.

Resources to explore
 Justin O'Connor's Book: Culture is Not an Industry
Open access papers by Justin and colleagues on Culture as Foundational here and here. 
Open Access paper on Basic Income for Artists
Community Wealth Building Initiatives
UNESCO Cultural Policy Resources
Creative Nation (Australia) Policy
This podcast is supported by University of Glasgow theCentre for Health in All Policies Research Translation (CHiAPRT), and Adelaide University.
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In todays episode Gerry and Carmel are joined by Martin Hensher from the Menzies Institute. Martin delves into his long career working in health, his transition to health economics and the experience he has had working in both private and public organisations. He touches on some really major economic ideas and helps us unpack what they might contain.
Martin Hensher is a Henry Baldwin Professorial Research Fellow in Health Systems Sustainability at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. His work focuses on how healthcare systems can respond to the environmental, economic, and social challenges of the future. With over 30 years of experience in health economics, planning, and financing, he has held senior roles in the UK, Australia, Africa, and Europe.

If you are interested in these topics and wish to learn more please check out this Master of Economics of Sustainability course, which Martin Hensher teaches in. Delivered by Torrens University Australia, the course will further your understanding of the economics of sustainability and knowledge surrounding many alternative economics approaches.

This podcast is supported by ⁠⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠⁠and the ⁠⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠⁠
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In this episode, Carmel and Gerry talk to Professor Lynne Chester, a leading Australian economic scholar about the pervasive influence of conventional economics on public policy, particularly in areas such as healthcare and energy. In their discussion, they critique the assumptions of rationality and market efficiency that underpin many economic policies, arguing that they often neglect the complexities of human behaviour and the diverse needs of society.
Professor Lynne Chester is a highly respected researcher andlecturer at the University of Sydney and has spent many years studying heterdox economics or non-conventional economics. Her research focuses broadly on energyaffordabilitly, the economic regulation of energy sectors and energy injustices. She provides her expertise in energy and public policy in many ways across organisations and government bodies.

This podcast is supported by ⁠⁠⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠⁠⁠and the ⁠⁠⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode, Gerry talks to Nicki Hutley, a highly experience economist, on the evolution of economic thinking specific to climate policy and cost-benefit analysis. They discuss the realities and limitations of economic definitions along with the efforts required to compliment government processes whilst trying to consult on climate policy.

Nicki Hutley is a highly experienced economist, with broad-based expertise in both macroeconomics and microeconomic policy, gained over more than three decades in financial and investment markets and in economic consulting.  After many years in the corporate world, including most recently as a partner with Deloitte Access Economics, Nicki is now an independent economist, advising government, business and not-for-profits on a wide range of policy issues, but with a focus on social and environmental impact. She is also a Councillor on the Climate Council.

She is a frequent commentator in the media regularly appearing on the Drum and contributing to the Guardian.

This podcast is supported by ⁠⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠⁠and the ⁠⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠⁠

Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and with anyone you think will enjoy it!