Since 2010, the UK has pursued a policy of austerity characterised by public spending cuts and welfare changes. There has been speculation - but little actual research - about the effects of this policy on health inequalities. This paper reports on a case study of local health inequalities in the local authority of Stockton-on-Tees in the North East of England, an area characterised by high spa...

Although the analysis of the contemporary crisis in Europe has many different aspects, this paper will limit its scope to the issue of economic policy. The euro is not just a currency − it is a mechanism. Its introduction has established a particular form of symbiosis among different capitalist economies. The project of euro must be grasped in systemic terms: this mechanism amounts to a particu...

Background: The recent economic crisis has been a major shock not only to the economic sector, but also to the rest of society. Our main objective in this paper is to show the impact of the economic crisis on convergence, i.e. the reduction or equalising of disparities, among the EU-27 countries in terms of health. The aim is to observe whether the economic crisis (from 2008 onwards) has in fac...

Veblen explained in 1899 that “in order to gain and hold the esteem of man it is not sufficient merely to possess wealth or power. The wealth or power must be put in evidence, for esteem is awarded only on evidence.” Since then, a considerable economics literature has explored the concept of conspicuous consumption and its implications in various settings, with particular focus on purchases tha...

How is social reproduction possible in a context of precarious employment and austerity policies that have defunded welfare? The paradox autonomy dependence present intergenerational relations support conflict at various scales. It emerges, on the one hand, neoliberal injunction to be individually responsible for one’s own future wellbeing, an aspiration impossible fulfill. On other it expresse...

Poverty and income inequality have increased in the UK since the 1970s. Poverty and mental ill-health are closely associated and disadvantage can have long-term consequences. In addition, the recent recession and austerity measures have had a detrimental effect on people with mental health problems and the mental health of the population. Mental health services can play a role in addressing the...

With his unique perspective on the public sector, the Comptroller and Auditor General, Sir Amyas Morse, explains some of the elements of financial management and planning that determine success in major reform programmes. He uses examples from local government, adult social care, and NHS reforms to conclude that, too often, ‘efficiency’ improvements have shaded over into unplanned grass roots s...