Changing societies "Inequality – Inequalities" (INEG)

The "Changing societies" programme

In an environment marked at the same time by new forms of exchange, of interdependence and of differentiation between cultures, and also by certain forms of globalisation of life styles and of thought, the study of societies and of cultures in their transformations and in their permanence is particularly relevant. Understanding the phenomena at stake, whether they concern political, social, economic or cultural aspects, requires an appreciation of the historical perspective, the study of procedures at different scales, the analysis of the plurality of contexts, as well as the perceptions that individuals, groups and societies might have.

The establishment of a multi-year thematic programme « Changing societies », covering all humanities and social sciences, should enable questioning of medium term as well as the reflection on one or more privileged themes, each year. This period of time should, more particularly, enable the accumulation of knowledge, the multiplication of points of view and theoretical questioning, favour cooperation between researchers and exchanges between various approaches.
For the year 2012, the programme proposes a second call for proposals on the theme "Inequality – Inequalities".

Objectives of the call for proposals "Inequality - Inequalities"

Inequalities seem to spread, to deepen and to transform, as much within industrial countries as within emerging countries, and also between the rich and the poor countries. Although inequalities are based on old foundations, new factors contribute to their evolution: aging of populations; migration and mobility; urbanisation; changes of lifestyles; attitude towards health; changes in the role of institutions. All these elements lead to questions on the role of economic, social, cultural and ideological contexts, the links between growth and inequality, the forms of redistribution, policies and adapted means, as well as more broadly the forms of justice and social cohesion that might ensure the greatest well-being for populations within societies in mutation.

The issue of inequalities is important for the understanding of the evolution of social models, such as the global economy, as well as to question the conceptions of social justice, inter and intra-generational equity, the role of public policies and more broadly, the conditions of social cohesion and concepts of "living together".

The call for proposals "Inequality - Inequalities", firstly, addresses the dynamics of production, of regulation, of transformation, of perception of the various inequalities, whether they concern remuneration, patrimony, employment, education, justice, culture, health, environment, gender, access to services, to health facilities, to housing or any other aspect of individual or social life. Also, it is an opportunity to question the concept of inequality in a new way.

Its main objectives are:

Five major axes of work can be envisaged: they are neither limitative nor complete and should not exclude other exploration of questions linked to "Inequality - Inequalities".

1. The question of inequalities

2. Genesis and dynamics of inequalities

3. Spaces and places of inequalities

4. Individual, society, institution

5. Perception and representation of inequalities