Inclusive Economies

Our work explores what characterises inclusive economies and how these can be achieved, particularly in a world where new technologies, rural to urban migration, and growing youth populations are disrupting and putting new pressures on people’s lives and livelihoods.

Our research looks at the impacts of business and markets on development and inequality and explores the potential for novel market-based solutions to work for the poorest and most marginalised based on gender, ethnicity and disability.  It explores alternatives that enable workers, consumers and communities to have a real voice.

It continues to revitalise debates on agriculture as a key pathway out of poverty and towards inclusion, particularly for young people. Our work is focused on identifying what opportunities exist in a period of agricultural commercialisation and rural transformation and how far different groups are able to access them.  It also understands how new technologies such as drones or blockchains pose risks, but can also be harnessed to improve the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people.  In a rapidly urbanising world where cities have become focal points for economic growth, jobs and innovation but also for poverty, inequality, vulnerability and conflict, our work explores what this means for both urban and rural people, and the opportunities and challenges they face in living safe and fulfilling lives.

People

Jodie Thorpe

Research Fellow

Philip Mader

Research Fellow

Richard Jolly

Research Associate

Ana Pueyo

Research Fellow

Carlos Fortin

Research Associate

Rachel Sabates-Wheeler

Research Fellow

Keetie Roelen

IDS Honorary Associate

Giel Ton

Research Fellow

Programmes and centres

Projects

Recent work

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Showing 121–132 of 14829 results

Opinion

South Africa decides 2024 part 2: the state of the parties

True or false? First, one country holding elections this year has 350 registered political parties, 52 of which will appear on its national ballot. Second, one of the 350 is named ‘Basic Income Grant’ and promises to give every adult citizen free cash transfers every month. Or third, this...

22 May 2024

News

University of West Indies signs new partnership agreement with IDS

During the 25th Annual Sir Arthur Lewis of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES) Conference, held at the beginning of May, the University of West Indies (UWI) and the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding.  Present to sign the agreement at the opening...

22 May 2024

Report

Informal Economy Perspectives on the Prevalence of Worst Forms of Child Labour in Bangladesh’s Leather Industry

CLARISSA Research and Evidence Paper 8

This research paper explores the findings from semi-structured interviews with business owners operating enterprises involved in leather processing and production across three prominent neighbourhoods and business districts in and around Dhaka, Bangladesh.

A.K.M. Maksud & 3 others

21 May 2024

Opinion

Visual methods and working with migrant people in an urban setting

Inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems in off-grid towns are an emerging area of concern as worldwide trends point towards a rapid movement of vulnerable rural populations migrating to towns. WASH systems for vulnerable populations migrating to the cities have always been a...

21 May 2024

Opinion

Towards a conflict-sensitive role for grassroot organisations in social protection in Sudan

A year of conflict has deepened the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan. This crisis is deeply rooted in the poor governance of Sudan characterised by concentration of power and resources amongst a network of military, private and political elites. It is a political crisis with roots in a long...

20 May 2024

Brief

Key Considerations: Alleviating Chronic Food Insecurity in South Sudan

SSHAP Briefing

This brief describes the scale of the food insecurity facing populations in South Sudan. It also analyses the causes of food insecurity, responses by government and non-government actors and partners, and offers considerations for these actors to support ending food insecurity, especially via...

17 May 2024

Past Event

Practicing inclusive rigour: Moving from trade-offs to bright spots?

Watch now https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbminon-7x8 Questions about rigour, validity and credibility are central concerns of all evaluation practice. So too should be how we pay attention to meaningful participation to enable greater equity, especially when embracing complexity and seeking...

17 May 2024

News

India election 2024: the world’s largest democracy votes

India is the world’s largest democracy with a population of more than 1.4 billion people. This election, 969 million people are eligible to vote – this number totals over 10 percent of the global population, including 18 million first-time voters. Elections started on 19 April and...

16 May 2024

Why learn with us.

In an extraordinary time of challenge and change, we use more than 50 years of expertise to transform development approaches that create more equitable and sustainable futures. The work you do with us will help make progressive change towards universal development; to build and connect solidarities for collective action, locally and globally. The University of Sussex has been ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies for the past five years (QS World University Rankings by Subject).