Socio-economic rights and the Challenge of Austerity to Equality
Channel: mohsenalattar1
Date: 24/11/2014

Civil and political rights dominate the anti-discrimination debate. Focus is placed on obstacles toward the equal participation of people in social institutions such as the workplace, schools, or public life. Less popular are economic rights and the obstacles poverty poses to the enjoyment of equality. Yet the links between economic capacity and political participation are plain and obvious. In the following clip, I examine the debate through the lens of the European Union with emphasis on the Hartz decision (Germany) and the notion of a subsistence minimum. I also consider the impact of austerity measures on living a life with dignity.