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 553–564 of 14836 results

Brief

Shockproof and Inclusive Fiscal Policies

Key Issues Guide

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the economies of most countries. What differed is the intensity of the impact, which ranged from mild economic contractions to devastating recessions and downturns.

3 July 2023

Brief

Equitable Support for Livelihoods and Food

Key Issues Guide

The Covid-19 pandemic and policy responses to contain its spread had severe impacts on people’s livelihoods and food security. It exposed weaknesses and inequities in social protection systems, food production and distribution, job security, and economic policies, with those already...

3 July 2023

Opinion

Pastoralism, uncertainty and development: a new open access book

Uncertainties of all sorts – environmental, market-based and political – are on the rise, as the world faces climate and environmental change, as well as market volatility and political turmoil. Learning lessons from pastoralists is therefore important for all of us, as well as ensuring that...

3 July 2023

Opinion

Healthy diets depend on equity and justice

This week it emerged that during 10 years of austerity, the height of UK children has fallen well behind global peers, with the average British boy and girl up to 5cm shorter than their European neighbours. Children’s height is used globally as a measure of health and wellbeing, and Britain...

30 June 2023

Brief

Horticulture in Kenya: Lessons from the Covid-19 Pandemic

IDS Policy Briefing 212

The horticulture sector is fundamental to Kenya’s economy and its citizens’ livelihoods. However, global connectivity and high perishability make the sector vulnerable to shocks. The Covid-19 pandemic and related policy measures impacted the sector in multiple ways, with an estimated US$3m...

Jodie Thorpe
Jodie Thorpe & 2 others

29 June 2023

Opinion

Pastoralists are an asset to the world

Pastoralists are livestock keepers who are frequently on the move, sometimes across huge distances. Following mobile lifestyles and living far from centres of power, they are often inaccurately dismissed as backward and in need of modernisation. Many policies are directed at transforming...

29 June 2023

Past Event

Informality and reaching the most marginalised

How do we ensure that informal and marginalised groups are recognised in disaster response? Informality encompasses those in informal employment, living in informal settlements and undocumented migrants. CORE research - a rapid research initiative designed to understand the socio-economic...

29 June 2023

Brief

Informality and Marginalised Groups in Crisis Response

Key Issues Guide

The Covid-19 pandemic had ripple effects that extend beyond the domain of health risks into economic, social, and political domains. These effects were not evenly distributed and exacerbated existing societal inequalities and marginalisation.

28 June 2023

News

Corporate and government control of food systems harming most vulnerable

Power wielded by ‘big food’ and other powerful actors is leading to vulnerable groups being disadvantaged by unjust and inequitable food systems, according to a new IDS report published today. It calls for marginalised social groups to be placed at the centre of food system transformation,...

27 June 2023

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).