INEQUALITY HURTS: SO WHAT?

How to build on findings of The Spirit Level: a process for change

Aim: to open up discussion between those with most to gain from greater equality, those with most to lose (or give) and the majority in between. To record and diffuse that discussion as a stimulus to wider debate and action.

Objective: to get different class/income groups talking among themselves and between groups, to address differences and areas of agreement. With input from experts/thinkers and an opportunity to address their questions and conclusions to political parties.

Method

1.Select three focus groups drawn from
wealthiest 10%
poorest 30%
middling 60%

2. Focus: bring all groups together, intermixed as individuals, for outline of issues defined in Spirit Level: the damage done by inequality and the widening gap.

3. Discussion: Focus groups meet separately to discuss four questions:
why are the rich rich and the poor poor?
why has the gap widened?
c. what should be done?
what can WE (people in our position) do about it?

4. Confrontation: bring groups together to address points of difference and agreement.

5. Input: bring groups together with panel of experts and thinkers (who will have
previous session, either live or video) for questions and answers, in both directions.)

6. Review: reform focus groups, so each includes cross section, to see what has been learned, how views have changed and what can be done.

7. Demands: bring all participants, groups, experts etc together with a panel of
politicians from wide spectrum of UK parties (Ireland might have its own
version.)

8. Edit and diffuse video record: ideally a TV or film production company would
be involved from the start. This (as with BBC Choir series) could give
importance and urgency to the whole process. A film- or programme-maker might also want to follow some participants home.

Which leaves open several questions, apart from whether the process could work: who selects groups, who organises and chairs meetings, which producers/chanels might be interested, and who PAYS?.