Zebra Economy
The concept of a “Zebra Economy” was developed by Harvard scholar and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen. A zebra economy is an economy that works within a balance of fairness and efficiency, and focuses on providing equal access to all resources and opportunities within a society. Sen proposes a zebra economy to address the rampant, unchecked clinical and economic inequality that plagues many countries in the Global South. Sen’s model seeks to promote economic growth, productivity, and development while eliminating market failure, information asymmetries, and corruption.
The core tenet of a zebra economy is its focus on providing access to resources and opportunities rather than focusing solely on economic growth. Sen believes that economic growth alone is inadequate because it perpetuates a cycle of inequality. He believes that a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities can create a structure in which everyone has access to the economic resources they need to survive and thrive. This approach also takes into account social, racial, political, and cultural inequalities as well as economic inequalities.
The focus of a zebra economy is threefold: Achieving economic equity, fostering economic efficiency, and reducing inequality. To achieve economic equity, Sen proposes policies that enhance access to resources and opportunities for the most marginalized population within society. Examples of these policies may include providing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for those who are underserved or lack access to these resources. For example, a zebra economy might create a larger pool of jobs and make them accessible by eliminating barriers such as language or educational requirements. Such policies could enable access to jobs and resources for underserved communities who may otherwise find it impossible to gain meaningful employment. Additionally, policies that promote equal pay, career advancement, and training could be implemented to create more equitable work opportunities.
Fostering economic efficiency is the second key tenet of a zebra economy. This is done by investing in the human capital and capabilities of individuals, instead of investors focusing on tangible economic growth. Policies such as those mentioned above could be implemented to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or economic status, have access to resources, training, and education that can help them be productive. This would also help create a productive pool of available employees, as well as a strong entrepreneurial spirit among individuals.
The third key tenet of a zebra economy is reducing inequality. This involves creating policies that narrow the gap between those who are economically well off and those who are not. Sen believes this should be done through redistributive policies such as progressive taxation, implementing a minimum wage, and providing access to healthcare and education. Additionally, Sen proposes policies that involve the creation of a social safety net for those in poverty, as well as policies that involve investing in infrastructure and programs that directly benefit the economically disadvantaged.
In conclusion, the zebra economy is an approach to economic development that seeks to provide access to resources and opportunities to all individuals in a society. This involves policies such as increasing access to education and health care, eliminating barriers to job opportunities, investing in human capital, reducing inequality, and providing a social safety net. It is a model that focuses on sustainable economic growth, longevity, productivity, and development.
