Policy and Political Economy
What it is and why it is important
Policy and political economy research investigates how political and economic systems influence the distribution of wealth, resources, and power within societies.
By examining the effects of policies on different population groups and economic sectors, our research helps identify and address economic inequalities, fostering a fairer distribution of resources.
Key research topics in this field include:
- The design, implementation, and impact of public policies on economic and social outcomes.
- The interplay between political institutions, economic structures, and social equity.
- The role of governance and political processes in shaping economic policies and development.
It is foundational to any conception of a just society that everyone has some set of opportunities that are not unduly constrained by the facts of their birth.
Steven Durlauf
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The Inequality Podcast
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Episode #56: Michelle Jackson on the Overworked Labor Force
Featured Episode In Policy and Political Economy
June 1, 2026
GuestsMichelle Jackson
Why are workers doing more than ever in an age of specialization? Stanford Sociologist Michelle Jackson examines how jobs accumulated new responsibilities over time and reflects on what bolder approaches to education, family, and opportunity could mean for inequality.