The Inequality Podcast

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.

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.