How Can Economic Growth Become More Inclusive

Some places and sectors in the economy have grown in more inclusive ways than others. On this PhD programme, you'll work to identify contextual and institutional factors between growth and inclusion, and make recommendations on how policy can meet economic and social goals.

This PhD is supervised by Dr Donald Houston and Dr Carol Ekinsmyth, and the scope and methods you'll use will depend on your interests and skills.

On this project, you'll explore why the disparities between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’ are lesser in some economically buoyant places/industries than others. You'll also identify the contextual and institutional factors conducive to a symbiotic relationship between growth and inclusion.

And on the basis of your results, the project will also make recommendations as to how local and regional economic development policy can better meet economic and social goals.

Income inequality has risen sharply in both the global ‘north’ and the global ‘south’. Less-skilled workers and weaker local economies have often been left behind by new rounds of investment.

In most developed nations, non-standard and often precarious employment is on the rise (such as casual and temporary employment and contract work). Many feel alienated from a neo-liberal model of economic growth that is perceived to play into the hands of big business. Most nations are richer than ever, yet income and wealth generation is not benefiting everyone.

Government policies to promote inclusion and equality are often feared to compromise economic growth and competitiveness. In contrast, others argue that ‘growth’ and ‘inclusion’ can be complementary goals.

In response to these concerns, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has developed the notion of ‘inclusive growth’. But still remarkably little is known about the circumstances in which economic growth either enhances or damages social inclusion.

It is to this question that the proposed studentship is addressed.

Candidates will have a background in human geography, sociology, economics, business and management or a related discipline. The precise nature of the project, its scope and methods (balance between quantitative and qualitative, extensive research or case-study, will depend on the interests and skills of the successful candidate.

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.