Paul Mason

Paul Mason is one of the most influential writers of the 21st century. His works are highly acclaimed for their feminist angle and their sharp insight into modern politics and economics. From his humble beginnings as a journalist, Mason has worked to expand journalism’s reach and redefine the ways in which it can portray the stories of people within a global context.

Mason was born in 1962 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. He attended the University of Sheffield, where he earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy before completing an MA in political philosophy and a Ph.D. in Political Science. It was during his studies at Sheffield that he gained an interest in both journalism and writing, and so began his streak of journalism and essay writing. After completing his studies, he was employed as a freelance journalist at various publications, including The Guardian.

Mason’s best-known work is his book, Postcapitalism: A Guide to Our Future. In Postcapitalism, Mason argues for a new form of economics and politics, a type of system guided by the principles of cooperation and sustainability. He posits that the current system — capitalism — is no longer fit for purpose and must be rethought to build a fairer, more equitable society.

His other works include Zero Sum Game: Wealth, Poverty and the Difference That Makes a Difference, as well as works looking at aspects of the European Union. His commentary on Brexit in 2019, How to Change Your Mind, was widely praised for its insight into the psychological underpinnings of Brexit. Mason has also written extensively on technology and the effects of AI, robotics and automation on the future of work.

In 2021, Mason published a new book, Austerity: the Rise and Fall of a Dangerous Idea, which sought to explain the impacts of austerity policies in Britain, Europe and the wider world. With this book, Mason asserted that the past decade of austerity has led to entrenched levels of inequality which will continue to be felt for many years to come.

In addition to his published books, Mason has appeared as a guest lecturer at Greogorian University, King’s College London, Cambridge University, and many other institutions around the world. In 2015, he won the European Commission's CARIM-East Award, recognising his contribution to European-wide public debate as well as his advocacy of policy changes.

Mason has sought to challenge prevailing political and economic thinking with his writings and lectures, striving to empower individuals and underpin the collective rights of both economic and social justice. His books and essays are a vital tool in the toolbox of any progressive thinker, and the insights provided by his work are invaluable to the discussion surrounding the future of economics and politics.