I believe that economic policy is an essentially powerful but seriously misunderstood political mechanism, underpinning many of the opportunities and constraints that people face in life. Despite this, economic research and policy-making are often constructed using excessively complex language, statistics and expert jargon that exclude a vast segment of society from engaging in these crucial debates. There seems to be a growing chasm between the life experiences of many people, and the policy-making of well-educated and likely well-meaning academics and government representatives.
In an era of rapid technological advancements, social media movements, global pandemics and decisive climate change hurdles, a breakdown in communication and trust between governments and citizens requires a re-examination of the role of the polis – community, city, state, or a common space that enables action – in policy.
With this in mind, I was motivated to join the Mercator Graduate College to explore the application of participatory research methods as means to developing new socioeconomic knowledge, fair and accountable public policy, and the self-determination of marginalised communities.