ISMAIL LAGARDIEN: Economic dignity is a vital aspect of social justice
Measuring it will require a new metric that is more meaningful than GDP
I participated in the annual Anton Lubowski memorial lecture hosted by Stellenbosch University at the weekend. This year’s theme was on social justice. In my contribution I raised two issues, one of which I want to flesh out here, and both of which have to do with the orthodoxy of liberal and “neoclassical” economics.
On a point of clarity, since Thorstein Veblen added “neoclassical” to “economics”, the new blend is often thrown about willfully, and sometimes pejoratively — not without some justification. I guess I am urging caution, even while I use the term as a reference to physics envy among mainstream economics...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.