Globalisation and the middle class in the West

The emphasis will be on understanding what the consequences of socio-economic stratification will be, and why does it arise? Is it the more or less inevitable consequence of the new phase in globalisation, or are there alternatives? Is capitalism sawing off the consumer branch on which it itself is sitting? Social gaps of this kind are not politically legitimate in a democratic age, and, if the differences become permanent, this will give rise to strong political reactions.

Glasshouse Forum is politically independent and should not engage in lobbying activities, or make policy recommendations. Thus, the main outcome of Glasshouse Forum activities will be asking the key questions, finding the key facts, analysing and presenting them, and thereby contribute to debate and discussion.

The main communication channels will be the Glasshouse Forum’s website, a series of short research reports, the final project publication and public seminars.

Reports published to date can be downloaded here.

Glasshouse Forum has first hand right to publishing research and other material produced within the forum’s projects. Thereafter, researchers are free to use their research as and where they want.