We bring together scholars across disciplines to discuss the causes and consequences of inequality and strategies to promote economic mobility. Listen and discover novel insights and strategies to address today’s most pressing issues in inequality.
Inequality is often viewed through macro-level forces. Today, we shift focus to smaller-scale factors: Steven Durlauf and Ariel Kalil discuss family roles in inequality, while Mesmin Destin explores identity-based motivation and interventions like peer mentorship.
Neighborhoods and schools impact inequality and mobility through factors like socioeconomic status, segregation, and resources. The episode's guests discuss how these environments shape opportunities and outcomes, with a focus on neighborhood effects.
Steven Durlauf speaks with Janet Gornick, director of the Stone Center at CUNY and an expert on measuring socio-economic inequality. They discuss her work with LIS, gender inequality, family structure, and the future of interdisciplinary social science.
Steven talks with Miles Corak to discuss cross-country comparisons of inequality and intergenerational mobility. They discuss the Great Gatsby Curve, the mechanisms behind the intergenerational persistence of socioeconomic status, and related innovations in research.
Melissa Kearney discusses her new book with an expert panel. They explore how modern trends in family structure perpetuate inequality and erode social mobility. They also dive into the evidence of the effects of family structure on childhood outcomes.
Steven and Glenn Loury discuss different perspectives on affirmative action and present arguments on both sides of a complex and nuanced issue with the hope of fostering an informed citizenry. Ethan Bueno de Mesquita, Dean of the Harris School, moderates the talk.
Steven talks to Guido Alfani about the history of wealth inequality. They discuss how the roles and perceptions of the rich have changed, touching on moments in Western civilization, such as the Renaissance, the Middle Ages, the Industrial Revolution, and modernity.
Conrad Miller joins Steven to discuss discrimination and affirmative action. The conversation digs into the methodology and findings from four of Conrad's papers that illustrate how policy can be used in addressing discriminatory hiring practices and beliefs.
Steven and Xi Song talk about how intergenerational mobility declined in the U.S. after World War II, then discuss the diversity of experiences for different groups. Xi shares more about the trends in mobility broken down by race, immigration status, and gender.
Steven and Geoff are joined by Michael Esposito to discuss racial health disparities that continue to plague the U.S. They explore how redlining, law enforcement practices, and unequal access to medical care contribute to racial gaps in health and mortality outcomes.
