Challenging Economic Assumptions

About Challenging Economic Assumptions

Challenging Economic Assumptions podcast is kind of self-descriptive. It is about challenging our assumed ideas and beliefs of the economic system we live with, which determines so much of our lives, our values and understanding of the world. In this series we hope to unpack some of the not-so-often questioned economic thinking that has lead us here and where we can go next. We talk to various thinkers and activists on the underlying economic assumptions that permeate our society, attempting to uncover new ways forward.

Publisher

Gerry McCartney and Carmel Williams

Category

science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Jul 2024

Latest episode

24 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Jul 2026

   Bridget Fowler | Sociological critiques of orthodox economics, social class, and inequality

   In today’s episode Gerry is joined by Professor Bridget Fowler, Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow. Professor Fowler is interested in social theory (with reference, particularly, to Marx, Bourdieu and social class) and the sociology of culture, including architecture and the obituary. At present she is finishing a book elaborating on this last article, entitled provisionally: Pierre Bourdieu: Reproduction and Social Transformation. In this episode, Bridget explores the hidden assumptions underpinning mainstream economics and challenges the idea of homo economicus, which is the rational, self-interested individual at the heart of neoclassical and neoliberal theory. Drawing on the work of Pierre Bourdieu, Émile Durkheim, Thomas Piketty and Mariana Mazzucato, the conversation examines how social class, history, culture and power shape economic behaviour in ways conventional economic models often overlook. Together, Gerry and Bridget unpack the reasons behind persistent inequalities, why wealth has become increasingly concentrated since the 1970s, and how changes to taxation, labour protections and economic policy have transformed modern societies. They also explore whether alternative economic perspectives can reshape public policy and what role social movements might play in creating more equitable futures. Whether you’re interested in economics, sociology, public policy or social justice, this episode offers a thought-provoking perspective on the ideas that shape our economies and everyday lives. Interested in learning more? The ideas discussed in this episode draw on a rich body of work across sociology, economics and political economy. Here are some recommended starting points: Books Pierre Bourdieu – Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste Pierre Bourdieu, 2000, Pascalian Meditations, Cambridge: Polity. Pierre Bourdieu’s The State Nobility (Polity), chapter 2 Thomas Piketty – Capital in the Twenty-First Century Thomas Piketty – Capital and Ideology Mariana Mazzucato – The Value of Everything Émile Durkheim – The Division of Labour in Society Research and organisations Sutton Trust reports on educational inequality and social mobility World Inequality Database (WID) OECD reports on inequality and social mobility This podcast is supported by University of Glasgow (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gla.ac.uk%2Fschools%2Fsocialpolitical%2Fstaff%2Fgerardmccartney%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C46991428771b48f3321808de9d05eba7%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120845942956731%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gloZb2qF7UnhIkeQXwCKg1iZOxeNLYRuXELKp37Ap3k%3D&reserved=0) and the Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation (CHiAPRT) (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchiaprt.org.au%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C46991428771b48f3321808de9d05eba7%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120845942975002%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lVa5J2uyMpbPuriy6SkONjEEEwSmoDz53o1vAXtg7CM%3D&reserved=0). Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and with anyone you think will enjoy it!

2. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Justin O'Connor | Reclaiming Culture as a Social Foundation

   In today’s episode Gerry and Carmel are joined byProfessor Justin O’Connor from Adelaide University. A leading expert in cultural policy, Justin discusses the evolution of culture’s role in society, its commodification, and the importance of re-establishing culture as a foundational social good, crucial to democratic participation and to counteract rising far-right ideologies and societal polarisation. While culture is often broadly defined as the sum of our shared meanings and interactions - echoing anthropologist Edward Tylor’s notion that “culture is everything that is not nature” - Justin O’Connor focuses on a more specific understanding of “art and culture”. Through images and sounds, movements and rhythms, and poetic language, culture speaks to our place in the world. It enables collective meaning-making and communication through distinctive forms of symbolic knowledge that lie beyond purely rational discourse, offering an indispensable, if sometimes opaque, contribution to our shared social life. Justin calls for a radical repositioning of culture as a foundational element of society and a core domain of public policy, alongside health, education, social services, and basic infrastructure. Challenging reductionist views that frame culture as merely a market-driven consumer sector (the ‘cultural and creative industries industries’), a luxury, or a component of the ideological superstructure, he instead presents culture as essential to social reproduction, liveability, and citizenship. By prioritising community engagement and sustained advocacy for robust cultural policies, we can ensure that culture continues to thrive alongside economic development. Resources to explore Justin O'Connor's Book: Culture is Not an Industry (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjustin-oconnor.com%2Fcurrent-publications%2Fculture-is-not-an-industry%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099706304419%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2VaR5wujLHOSpTbeWxAlBDPr7hOyJMt91pqQ%2FEhBUI4%3D&reserved=0) Open access papers by Justin and colleagues on Culture as Foundational here (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffoundationaleconomy.com%2Fculture-as-foundational-paper-final%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099706343199%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=P42TJt10gKFGCJwdRT78NaS73h1UhSLyVAqpkzKdw0E%3D&reserved=0) and here. (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjournals.sagepub.com%2Fdoi%2F10.1177%2F13675494261432911&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099706368813%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=AldCwxjxaixFoYepBmJTJWoTypOBxvjZYyVKIlwu%2BxY%3D&reserved=0) Open Access paper on Basic (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tandfonline.com%2Fdoi%2Ffull%2F10.1080%2F09548963.2026.2655376%23d1e634&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099706823285%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BWKF9Sh7p6mR3WqSA04uEG%2BNKJHYE5Ow76pziSICs4M%3D&reserved=0)Income for Artists (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tandfonline.com%2Fdoi%2Ffull%2F10.1080%2F09548963.2026.2655376%23d1e634&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099706854068%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xcuoa6%2FsDBsEnCNlPBhbQyQE3FwLQJ08ERXx63U%2FYVY%3D&reserved=0) Community Wealth Building Initiatives (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oecd.org%2Fen%2Fpublications%2Fproviding-local-actors-with-case-studies-evidence-and-solutions-places_eb108047-en%2Fcommunity-wealth-building-for-a-well-being-economy_afdeefcd-en.html&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099706875355%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6dX3dCUvybAgiRPARRGAiqWOQHgl5qNsECMDMHcMOnA%3D&reserved=0) UNESCO Cultural Policy Resources (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.unesco.org%2Fen%2Ftags%2Fcultural-policy&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099706896327%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=JA31qSwodY0jz4iKgLHl2BmCrqRjQ9N3m9Ld19OgSrE%3D&reserved=0) Creative Nation (Australia) Policy (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arts.gov.au%2Fpublications%2Fcreative-australia-national-cultural-policy-2013&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099706916544%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=XZS4EqzOwfUXrki8LY9N12%2FlcOWgeJHCY72THaaOwZM%3D&reserved=0) This podcast is supported by University of Glasgow (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gla.ac.uk%2Fschools%2Fsocialpolitical%2Fstaff%2Fgerardmccartney%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099707095755%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rDhTNFSPh4jCe8a2LdplKib1CDTTwLKZXhIHaPbJkrg%3D&reserved=0) theCentre for Health in All Policies Research Translation (CHiAPRT) (https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchiaprt.org.au%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cn.lalchandani%40deakin.edu.au%7C490b483cba77449bbe8108de9c582c9c%7Cd02378ec168846d585401c28b5f470f6%7C0%7C0%7C639120099707120490%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=DvcoQ%2Fhzal29rdYbcnrcBxUpvcKeiWuove0EOJXLomo%3D&reserved=0), and Adelaide University (https://adelaide.edu.au/).Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and withanyone you think will enjoy it. Thank you for tuning in!

3. 

   22 Aug 2025

   Martin Hensher | Thru the eyes of a Health Economist

   In todays episode Gerry and Carmel are joined by Martin Hensher from the Menzies Institute. Martin delves into his long career working in health, his transition to health economics and the experience he has had working in both private and public organisations. He touches on some really major economic ideas and helps us unpack what they might contain. Martin Hensher is a Henry Baldwin Professorial Research Fellow in Health Systems Sustainability at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. His work focuses on how healthcare systems can respond to the environmental, economic, and social challenges of the future. With over 30 years of experience in health economics, planning, and financing, he has held senior roles in the UK, Australia, Africa, and Europe. If you are interested in these topics and wish to learn more please check out this Master of Economics of Sustainability (https://www.torrens.edu.au/courses/business/master-of-economics-of-sustainability)course, which Martin Hensher teaches in. Delivered by Torrens University Australia, the course will further your understanding of the economics of sustainability and knowledge surrounding many alternative economics approaches. This podcast is supported by ⁠⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠⁠ (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/gerardmccartney/)and the ⁠⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠⁠ (https://healthtranslationsa.org.au/project/centre-for-health-in-all-policies-research-translation/) Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and with anyone you think will enjoy it!

4. 

   19 Mar 2025

   Professor Lynne Chester | Questioning Conventional Economics in Public Policy

   In this episode, Carmel and Gerry talk to Professor Lynne Chester, a leading Australian economic scholar about the pervasive influence of conventional economics on public policy, particularly in areas such as healthcare and energy. In their discussion, they critique the assumptions of rationality and market efficiency that underpin many economic policies, arguing that they often neglect the complexities of human behaviour and the diverse needs of society. Professor Lynne Chester is a highly respected researcher andlecturer at the University of Sydney and has spent many years studying heterdox economics or non-conventional economics. Her research focuses broadly on energyaffordabilitly, the economic regulation of energy sectors and energy injustices. She provides her expertise in energy and public policy in many ways across organisations and government bodies. This podcast is supported by ⁠⁠⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/gerardmccartney/)and the ⁠⁠⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠⁠⁠ (https://healthtranslationsa.org.au/project/centre-for-health-in-all-policies-research-translation/) Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and withanyone you think will enjoy it!

5. 

   13 Jan 2025

   Nicki Hutley | Evolution of Economic Perspectives within Governments

   Gerry talks to Nicki Hutley, a highly experienced economist, on the evolution of economic thinking specific to climate policy and cost-benefit analysis, revealing new insights that challenge conventional economic assumptions.

6. 

   4 Nov 2024

   Sarah McKinley | Community Wealth Building

   In this episode Gerry and Carmel talk to Sarah McKinley of the Democracy Collaborative. Sarah sheds light on Community Wealth Building, an alternative economic system approach being explored in local communities around the world and how it has been improving peoples overall wellbeing. Sarah McKinley, the Director of Community Wealth Building Programs from the Democracy Collaborative, a not for profit trans-Atlantic think-do tank striving to build a democratic economy through political and economic system change. Her work is a significant driver of change in local communities, creating alternative economic and community systems which have shown to improve the quality of peoples overall wellbeing. This podcast is supported by ⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠ (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/gerardmccartney/)and the ⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠ (https://healthtranslationsa.org.au/project/centre-for-health-in-all-policies-research-translation/) Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and with anyone you think will enjoy it!

7. 

   9 Jul 2024

   Mohsen Javdani | Ideological Biases within mainstream economics

   In this episode Gerry and Carmel talk to Mohsen Javdani, an Associate Professor from the Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Offering a critical lens to the traditional or neoclassical economic approaches, Mohsen reveals the ideological biases which permeate the discourse and how mainstream economics is ill-equipped to address the complex challenges of our societies. Mohsen has journeyed from mainstream economics to become a researcher and advocate for economic equality, specifically of the labour market and the discrimination of women, migrants and ethnic minorities. His published research has uncovered evident ideological biases among economists (https://academic.oup.com/cje/article/47/2/309/7084598)who claim to be unbiased and value-free. This podcast is supported by ⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠ (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/gerardmccartney/)and the ⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠ (https://healthtranslationsa.org.au/project/centre-for-health-in-all-policies-research-translation/) Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and with anyone you think will enjoy it!

8. 

   9 Jul 2024

   Matthias Schmelzer | Degrowth and The History of the Economic Growth Paradigm

   In this episode Gerry and Carmel talk to Matthias Schmelzer, an economic historian, social theorist and climate activist. Reflecting on the concept of growth and its history, Matthias unpacks the deliberate decisions of the past which have lead us to our economic system today and explores the concept of degrowth as an alternative path. Matthias is a post-doctoral researcher at the Friedrich-Schiller University Jena and is active in numerous social-ecological networks and movements. He is the author of two books, “The Hegemony of Growth: The OECD and the Making of the Economic Growth Paradigm” (https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/hegemony-of-growth/A80C4DF19D804C723D55A5EFE7A447FD) and “The Future is Degrowth: A world beyond Capitalism." (https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/2620-the-future-is-degrowth) This podcast is supported by ⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠ (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/gerardmccartney/)and the ⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠ (https://healthtranslationsa.org.au/project/centre-for-health-in-all-policies-research-translation/) Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and with anyone you think will enjoy it!

9. 

   9 Jul 2024

   Philip Heimberger | Meta-Analysis and Evidence Based Research in the Field of Economics

   In this episode Gerry and Carmel talk with Philip Heimberger, an economist from the Vienna Institute for International Economic studies. As a lead researcher utilizing meta-analysis within the field of economics, Philip uncovers some of the inconsistencies across so-called 'evidence-based' theories which have been used to justify national and regional policy decisions across the world. Philip holds a PhD in economics from the Vienna University of Economics and Business (https://wiiw.ac.at/philipp-heimberger-s-1138.html) and has published some incredible research papers that question whether public debt affects economic growth (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joes.12536) and if employment protection affects unemployment. (https://academic.oup.com/oep/article-abstract/73/3/982/6008973?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false) His research offers some much needed reflection on the often-unquestioned economic models and theories that are still leant on today. This podcast is supported by ⁠⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠⁠ (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/gerardmccartney/)and the ⁠⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠⁠ (https://healthtranslationsa.org.au/project/centre-for-health-in-all-policies-research-translation/) Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and with anyone you think will enjoy it!

10. 

    9 Jul 2024

    Dr. Katherine Trebeck | A New Economic Ecosystem

    In this episode Gerry and Carmel talk with Dr. Katherine Trebeck, a political economist, writer and leading advocate for economic system change. Challenging the role of economic growth and GDP as a measure for success, Dr. Trebeck leads us to think about alternatives to our systems and what the driving purposes of government and economies should be. Katherine is the co-founder of the ⁠Wellbeing Economy Alliance,⁠ (https://weall.org/about-weall) a writer in residence at the University of Edinburgh, a strategic adviser to Australia's ⁠Centre for Policy Development ⁠ (https://cpd.org.au/)and the co-author of a fantastic book ⁠"The Economics of Arrival: Ideas for a Grown Up Economy."⁠ This podcast is supported by ⁠The University of Glasgow ⁠ (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/staff/gerardmccartney/)and the ⁠Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation. ⁠ (https://healthtranslationsa.org.au/project/centre-for-health-in-all-policies-research-translation/) Feel free to follow us and share our podcast online and with anyone you think will enjoy it!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings