The Post-Keynesian Economics Society is committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive and diverse academic community that values and respects all individuals, recognising their background, identity, and experience.
The field of economics has historically failed to promote diversity and ensure inclusion. We recognise the need to address these issues within the field of economics and within our own organisation. We are working to embed feminist, anti-racist and anti-oppressive values in our society. We aim to empower and uplift the voices of those who have been historically silenced, sidelined and/or underrepresented. This Code of Conduct outlines our commitment to promoting a culture of respect, inclusivity, and open dialogue, where members of all backgrounds feel welcome to contribute different perspectives.
We expect all PKES members to abide by the following principles:
Respect and Inclusivity: members, including but not limited to scholars, researchers, students and event participants, should treat each other with dignity and respect, valuing diverse perspectives and experiences. This principle means that different experiences and perspectives are welcome; offensive and discriminatory language and practice will not be tolerated (see Principle 2). We aim to provide spaces where a range of theoretical and methodological viewpoints are respected. Members should hold each other to account and challenge each other from a place of care and shared learning.
Non-Discrimination: PKES will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, class/socio-economic position, national origin, first language, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, health condition, religion, parental status, professional status, or personal connections above and beyond the protections held within the Equality Act 2010. Discriminatory behaviour or language in spaces organised by PKES is strictly prohibited.
Inclusive Language: PKES strongly encourages the use of inclusive and respectful language in all communications, events, and publications. Members should be mindful of the potential impact of their words on others and make every effort to avoid language that may be discriminatory, exclusionary, offensive, patronising, disrespectful or reinforces stereotypes (see Principle 2). A useful online resource with links to further resources can be found here: Inclusive Language Guidance.
Reporting and Accountability: PKES encourages anyone who experiences or witnesses behaviour that violates this Code of Conduct to report it promptly. Reports can be made to any member of the Committee or by email to the Secretary secretary@postkeynesian.net, as appropriate. Reports will be treated confidentially, with sensitivity and, in the first instance, will be shared with the Secretary and Chair. In cases where the report must be shared with the entire Committee, the reporting party will be informed. The Committee aims to provide an initial response to a report, including a timeline for further action, within two working weeks. Appropriate action will be taken against violations, which may include warnings, sanctions, or expulsion from the society.
In addition, the Committee makes the following commitments:
Representation: PKES is committed to addressing the current under-representation of Black and Ethnically Diverse people, minoritised genders and women in our community. We will actively work to promote greater diversity among our Committee, members, speakers, panellists, and participants, with the goal of creating a more inclusive environment.
Equity: PKES seeks to create an environment with equal opportunity for participation for those from any race, ethnicity, class/socio-economic position, national origin, first language, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, health condition, religion, parental status, professional status, or personal connections.
Accessibility: PKES seeks to make its events accessible to all. We consider accessibility in terms of disability, location, socio-economic status and any other inequalities that prevent our events from being diverse and inclusive. We will strive to ensure that our activities are conducted in venues and formats that are accessible to everyone. We will undertake efforts to ensure that scholars from the Global South can participate in some of our events, e.g., through webinars and/or recordings that permit virtual and/or remote participation. We also aim to set aside funds to support scholars from the Global South contingent on the financial capacity of our society.
Research: We aim to promote research on race, racism and colonialism, including from a Post-Keynesian perspective, and scholarship from and about the Global South.
Continuous Learning and Review: PKES recognises that fostering diversity and inclusion requires ongoing efforts and education to identify exclusion mechanisms and to establish inclusionary practices within the Society. The Committee will therefore engage with external advice, collect educational resources and maintain ongoing internal review. To reflect our evolving understanding of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we will review and update this Code of Conduct and all associated procedures not less than once per year at our Annual Committee Meeting.