Accounting vs. economic inequality - two examples of critical accounting praxis

Stewart Smyth and James Brackley

Chapter 15 in Handbook of Accounting in Society, 2024, pp 209-224 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter concerns the relationship between accounting and economic inequality. It is well established in the accounting literature that the practice of accounting concerns the allocation and distribution of economic resources, leading to the maintenance of economic inequalities. First, we argue that such economic inequality is fundamental to class society, including capitalism. Second, we explore what can be done to challenge and reverse both economic inequality and the accounting that enables it. To address these aims, we focus on two examples of critical accounting praxis that challenge existing accounting practice and the practice of accountants. The use of counter-accounts by union members fighting to defend pensions and an industrial dispute where workers challenged the practice of accountants in a struggle to receive their agreed redundancy payments. We conclude the chapter with a call for (rediscovering) political opposition to capitalism and the need for partisanship in our research and praxis.

Keywords: Business and Management; Economics and Finance; Environment; Sociology and Social Policy; Sustainable Development Goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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