Race and Ethnicity

What it is and why it is important

Race and ethnicity research investigates how systemic and structural factors contribute to disparities in wealth accumulation and social mobility among different racial and ethnic groups.

Our research helps to understand and address racial and ethnic disparities, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from economic activities.

Key research topics in this field include:

• Racial and ethnic disparities in income, education, and employment.
• The impact of race and ethnicity on health outcomes and access to resources.
• The role of race and ethnicity in shaping social and political institutions and policies.

Various types of segregation aren’t properties about a person—they’re properties about a population. Thinking about features of inequality that are defined at a collective level gives important insights into phenomena such as poverty traps or affluence traps.

Steven Durlauf