Thinking Aloud

Inequality is not just unfair, it's also bad economics

Inequality slows growth and results in inefficient allocation of opportunities

New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

In the ongoing discussion on inequality, I have often heard people refer to the "bleeding heart liberals".

This label is a convenient, and rather dismissive, short-hand to refer to the academics and others challenging the assumptions behind Singapore's social policy. They want policymakers and citizens to look beyond ways to help the poor, to understand how institutions, structures and mindsets behind policies have sometimes disadvantaged the poor and kept them marginalised.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on July 22, 2018, with the headline Inequality is not just unfair, it's also bad economics. Subscribe