The Inequality Podcast

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.

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.

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.