“…Our series on social inequality in Auckland this week has brought a defensive response from many readers who take a more judgmental view of the poor.
The series largely reflected social research that tends not to question people’s personal decisions but concentrates on public policy and statistical outcomes.
When people were asked about their different circumstances, as reporter Simon Collins did, the issues were not as clear cut.
From statistics compiled from the spread of suburban incomes it appears the gap between rich and poor has widened markedly over the past 25 years.
That is the period since the economy was exposed to global competition – income tax rates were lowered – welfare benefits were cut in 1991 -
- and unions were weakened by the Employment Contracts Act…”
(cont..)
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Editorial: Opportunity – key to a more equal society – Opinion – NZ Herald News.
