The world's richest 62 people now own as much wealth as the poorest 50%, according to a new report released by Oxfam. But what are we measuring when we talk about wealth and inequality? Why does it matter? And what can we do about it? Kirsty chats to Dr Faiza Shaheen.

Weekly Economics Podcast on Twitter: www.twitter.com/weeklyeconpod
Faiza Shaheen Twitter: www.twitter.com/faizashaheen
Kirsty Styles on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kirstystyles1

Produced by James Shield. Programme editor for NEF: Huw Jordan.

Brought to you by the New Economics Foundation – the independent think tank and charity campaigning for a fairer, sustainable economy. Find out more at www.neweconomics.org.

Music by Podington Bear used under Creative Commons licence.
www.podingtonbear.com

Subscribe on iTunes

Faiza Shaheen: Inequality

Theme from The New York Times podcast "The Run-Up"

The Run-Up: Theme

The Daily: Theme

Universities up and down the country have been shutting down as lecturers have walked out, arguing that the changes to their pension schemes could leave them thousands of pounds a year worse off in retirement.

If you don’t know the difference between your defined benefits and your defined contributions, getting your head round the issues can feel like doing an economics PhD before you’ve done your 101. So this week we’re breaking down what the university strikes are all about, and what they tell us about everyone else’s pensions too.

Ayeisha Thomas-Smith speaks to two striking lecturers: Nadine El-Enany, co-director of the Centre for Research on Race and Law at Birkbeck, and SOAS Senate chair Meera Sabaratnam. They are joined by writer and researcher Christine Berry, who is also a postgraduate student at Sheffield University.

Enjoying the show? Tweet us your comments and questions @NEF!

Produced by James Shield and Huw Jordan.

Music: Podington Bear, licenced under Creative Commons.

The award-winning Weekly Economics Podcast is brought to you by the New Economics Foundation – the UK's only people powered think tank. Find out more at www.neweconomics.org

Weekly Economics Podcast

Apple Podcasts

Why are university lecturers on strike?

Radio Production Awards 2012 - Best Online Creator - winning entry

Award-winning podcast about the economic forces shaping our world, with Ayeisha Thomas-Smith and guests. Brought to you by the New Economics Foundation – the independent think tank and charity campaigning for a fairer, sustainable economy.

Faiza Shaheen: Inequality

New Economics Podcast

Related tracks