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.
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 Matthew Kahn discuss the interactions between inequality and climate change. Matthew outlines how changes in the environment alter lives across the globe, from hurricane-ravaged residents of New Orleans to rice-farmers-turned-shrimp-sellers in Dhaka.
Steven and Luis Bettencourt discuss what cities can teach us about inequality. With interests in ecology, sociology, and physics, Luis shares insights from these disciplines to the study of inequality in urban landscapes to understand growth, opportunity, and mobility.
In this bonus episode, Sam Bowles dives deep into the ancient origins of inequality, Marxian economic theory, the evolution of the economics curriculum, and The Moral Economy.
Steven and Sam Bowles cover a scholarly gamut, including Sam’s upbringing, his transformative encounter with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his thoughts on equality of voice in capitalist structures, and the ethical courage of pursuing questions rather than answers.
