Introduction:

The authors remind us that we must not lose sight of the fact that while the current crisis is reversing trends in prosperity enjoyed by some, for the vast majority of the world's population they are simply adding insult to injury: Poverty and inequality have shown remarkable persistence, and reducing them has remained elusive - including in countries experiencing a healthy growth rate over the last decade or so. According to Antonopoulos and Kim, these challenges, poverty and income inequality, originate in several distinct processes, and policy must be mindful of the fact that one size will not fit all: a growing earnings gap between skilled and unskilled workers; the shift in the functional distribution of income away from earned income and in favour of profits; the eminent threat of landlessness due to low agricultural productivity or the adverse effects of world market prices; international trade practices that put pressure on staple food prices; and a disappearing state social safety net. The authors conclude that public job creation is an integral part of the policy mix needed to address unemployment and poverty. Drawing in marginalised segments of the population via the types of job creation proposed in this analysis has the strong potential to contribute to many policy objectives, including reversing outward migration and crime trends, revitalising marginalised communities, increasing human capital, and promoting social inclusion. Moreover, by reducing the unpaid care burdens of poor women, the specific jobs they propose are said to contribute toward the goal of gender equality.