Overview 21
as people believe they are bearing the brunt of crises for which they have no responsibility and feel increasingly disenfranchised. Furthermore, the slow— and still unstable—recovery in output has not resulted in an across-the-board recovery in jobs and wages, leaving millions to struggle under the burden of the crisis. The social contract is under threat in many of these countries. Given the current political context, it is important to bring forth evidence-based strategies to address this persistent problem. Much can be learned from countries that have been able to reduce inequalities despite the uncertain global economic outlook. Indeed, the experience of some countries shows that growing inequality is neither destiny nor a necessary price to pay for economic growth. Policy makes a difference. A fundamental premise of the 2013 Report is that policies are also responsible for growing or, conversely, declining inequality. Chapter 5 focuses on policy measures that have been effective in addressing inequality and brings the analysis of the volume to bear on policy recommendations that address various aspects of inequality. It emphasizes that gains made through targeted interventions alone are unlikely to be sustained without broad-based coverage. It suggests that a set of cohesive, coherent and complementary policies is needed to combat inequality in all its dimensions. As the international community pledges to accelerate progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals and shapes its global vision for the development agenda after 2015, stakeholders recognize that, along with eradicating poverty, tackling inequalities should be at the core. The Report on the World Social Situation 2013 aims at providing effective guidance on striking the necessary macroeconomic and social policy balance for achieving this end, and creating inclusive and equitable societies for all. The Report offers some key policy recommendations for consideration: • The promotion of productive employment and decent work for all should be an objective not only of social policy but also of macroeconomic policy. • The emphasis in public spending must be on universal, good-quality, essential services such as health, nutrition, sanitation and education. Access to education at all levels, in particular, has significant distributional effects. • Urgent action must be taken to establish, and extend, a basic social protection floor that ensures access to basic services for all. Fiscal consolidation measures must be designed in such a way as not to undermine essential public spending on such services. • The basic principle of universalism must be combined with particular policy focus on disadvantaged groups, especially those affected by multiple deprivations. Gender inequalities are cross-cutting and must be addressed actively when dealing with all other dimensions of inequality.