Heterodox Economics and Social Policy

Introduction

This book critically examines the theoretical and practical foundations of contemporary social policy through the lens of heterodox economic thought.

Current Paradigm and Its Limitations

Despite decades of academic debate and institutional reform, contemporary social policy remains largely anchored in the liberal tradition of equality of opportunity. While this paradigm has advanced important conversations about fairness and justice, it has also become a conceptual boundary that limits more radical critiques of inequality and structural exclusion and exploitation. By rethinking the pervasive focus on equality of opportunity, this volume invites a transition toward the less explored but arguably more transformative principle of equality of place. In contrast to the dominant framework that emphasizes individual access and meritocratic mobility within existing structures, the chapters collected here explore the institutional, spatial, and collective transformations necessary for genuine social justice. Drawing from a wide array of heterodox traditions, including post-Keynesian, stratification economics, structuralist, feminist, ecological, and the common’s perspectives, the volume is organized into two main sections: theoretical debates and applied issues. Together, these contributions interrogate the foundations of mainstream policy frameworks and propose alternative paradigms rooted in redistribution, decommodification, and the commons.

Target Audience

The book will be of great interest to readers in heterodox economics, political economy, social policy, and public policy more broadly.