Social Interactions

What it is and why it is important

Social interactions research investigates how individuals and groups interact within various social contexts and how these interactions influence social structures, behaviors, and outcomes.

Our research provides insights for developing policies and interventions that foster economic equality, social cohesion, and community well-being.

Key research topics in this field include:

  • The dynamics of social networks and their impact on individual and group behavior.
  • The role of social interactions in shaping norms, group formation, and institutional practices.
  • How neighborhood context influences individual socio-economic outcome, geographic segregation, and community cohesion.

Related Research Papers

Latin America’s Persistent Disorder: Meritocracy Without Mobility

Publication

The Siamese Crocodiles: Meritocratic Equilibria in African Perspective

Publication

Episode #66: Katherine Kinzler on the ‘Hidden Bias’ Toward How People Speak

Featured Episode In Social Interactions

October 19, 2026
Could language and accent be an overlooked identity driving inequality? UChicago psychologist Katherine Kinzler joins Geoff Wodtke and guest host Ariel Kalil to discuss when language bias develops, how it shapes outcomes, and what it means in the age of AI.