What is fairness?
To build a fairer society, we need a definition of fairness that most people can get behind, and that brings together different ideas of what constitutes fairness. The Fair Necessities sets out our vision, based on five principles that attract majority support from Britons.
Read The Fair Necessities
See what the public think
Fair essentials
Everyone should have their basic needs met, but we need to go further to enable people to play a constructive role in society
Fair opportunities
Everyone should be able to thrive, without having to overcome unreasonable barriers to opportunity or earn a huge salary
Fair rewards
Everyone’s hard work should be rewarded, in line with their contribution to our society as well as to our economy
Fair exchange
Everyone should contribute to society by paying their fair share in tax, and in return should be supported by society when they need it
Fair treatment
Everyone should be treated with equal respect and should be able to exercise equal influence on decisions made in their name
Why is fairness important?
The moral argument
A wide range of philosophical traditions emphasise the intrinsic importance of fairness, whether they focus on equal opportunities, equal outcomes, equal treatment or other concepts.
The political argument
The vast majority of people are concerned about unfairness and want a fairer society; fairness is overwhelmingly popular with voters of all political complexions and across all demographic groups.
The policy argument
Fairness underpins a strong and sustainable economy, as well as a healthy society. Societies with high levels of unfair inequality are less productive, efficient and cohesive. A lack of fairness is a threat to democracy.
How fair is the UK?
People are unable to afford the basics (food, energy, housing, childcare)
Success in life owes more to luck (such as whether you’re born into a wealthy family) than to effort
Hard work no longer guarantees a decent standard of living, as many jobs are poorly paid or insecure
Public services are crumbling while the wealthy aren’t paying their fair share of tax
Some people play by a completely different set of rules, due in part to the influence of money on politics
What are the causes and consequences of unfairness?
What are we doing to help build a fairer society?
Building and popularising a vision for a fairer society in Britain that can attract broad support
Read The Fair Necessities
Making the political case for fairness by researching public attitudes to a wide range of fairness issues
Browse our attitudinal research
Making the policy case for fairness and highlighting the most effective interventions to achieve it
Browse our policy research