Book Talk on Equality—The History of an Elusive Idea by Darrin McMahon

Positive and normative questions about the nature of equality have an ancient set of origins and retain contemporary salience and disagreement. Throughout history the mantra of equality has been a source of conflict and change. In turn, understanding of equality has evolved via the complex interactions of the world of ideas and the evolution of social, political and economic institutions.

We joined Darrin McMahon, Dartmouth College, for a discussion of his new book Equality: The History of an Elusive Idea. Steven Durlauf, Director of the Stone Center for Research on Wealth Inequality and Mobility, Jonathan Levy of the University of Chicago Department of History and Jenny Trinitapoli, University of Chicago Department of Sociology offered commentaries, and Scott Ashworth of the Harris School moderated the discussion.

In partnership with Center for International Social Science Research, we presented our audience with an understanding of the evolution of the idea of equality across history and how the broadening and narrowing of the concept have both mirrored and shaped historical developments.

Click the image below to watch the conversation.

Schedule