Is there injustice in the international economy?

Abstract

Economic as well as ethical aspects of discrimination and other forms of injustice in the context of a nation’s economy have been discussed by scholars for many decades. However, until relatively recent times, much attention has not been given – especially by economists – to discrimination and injustice in the international context. At least since 1961, several works in Catholic social thought have addressed the issues of injustice as well as poverty and inequality among countries. Discusses the social economics of discrimination and other forms of injustice in the international context. After a brief introduction, presents some views on injustice in the international economy and some empirical evidence. Briefly discusses the way mainstream economics mostly avoids discussion about injustice. Follows by looking at social economists’ perspective on injustice, also giving remarks on how some documents comprising Catholic social thought discuss injustice in the context of international development. Concludes with observations on how distribution/justice issues could be incorporated in discussions dominated by growth/development objectives.