The Inequality Podcast

How has equality been used to justify hierarchy? Dive into a panel discussion from our archives where Dartmouth historian Darren McMahon joins economist Steven Durlauf, sociologist Jenny Trinitapoli, and historian Jonathan Levy to explore equality's elusive history.

What can household finance teach us about inequality? Understanding it means grappling with myriad variables. Damon Jones joins co-host Steven Durlauf to unpack income shocks, Black economists’ insights, universal basic income, and more.

Why don’t more qualified young people pursue college? Today’s episode explores this question with economists Salvador Navarro and Stephen Trejo, in conversations with host Steven Durlauf on the barriers to college and the persistent gaps facing Hispanic Americans.

Harvard Professor Deirdre Bloome joins host Steven Durlauf to discuss her work measuring the historical evolution of racial inequalities in the family and the economy, and their lasting impact on mobility.

Steven Durlauf talks with Dionissi Aliprantis about neighborhood effects, the racial wealth gap, and 21st-century segregation.

Harvard’s Christopher Muller traces the roots of mass incarceration in labor demand, while Duke’s Hedy Lee explores its toll on families, from mental health to financial strain.

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.