The Inequality and Institutions seminar series explores how social, economic, and political structures shape disparities in opportunity, mobility, and well-being across communities. Bringing together leading scholars from across disciplines, the series highlights research on the causes and consequences of inequality; from gender and labor market dynamics to Indigenous land dispossession and neighborhood redevelopment.
Through empirical and historical perspectives, these seminars examine how institutions both reflect and reinforce inequality, and how thoughtful policy design can foster more inclusive and equitable societies.
Jim Crow and Economic Development, March 17, 2026
On March 17 at 3:15 PM in Posvar 4940, the Center for Governance and Markets will host Jim Crow and Economic Development by Lukas Althoff.
Mapping Inventions in Idea Space: Spreading Out Over an Expanding Frontier, 1836-2023, February 10, 2026
On February 10 at 3:15 PM in Posvar 4940, Jeffery Lin will discuss Mapping Inventions in Idea Space: Spreading Out Over an Expanding Frontier, 1836-2023.
The Origins of Generosity and Racial Exclusion in American Welfare, February 3, 2026
On February 3 at 3:15 PM in Posvar 4940, Shari Eli will discuss The Origins of Generosity and Racial Exclusion in American Welfare.
Parental Leave: Economic Incentives and Cultural Change, April 18, 2025
Raquel Fernández examines Sweden’s 2002 parental leave reform, analyzing how wages, policy design, and shifting social norms shape men’s participation in family leave.
Railroads, Market Access, and Indigenous Land Dispossession, April 1, 2025
Robert Gillezeau explores how railroad expansion accelerated Indigenous land dispossession across North America, shaping long-term patterns of assimilation, inequality, and economic outcomes.
The Evolution of Gender in the Labor Market, March 14, 2025
Claudia Olivetti examines how gender roles in the labor market have shifted since the 1980s, highlighting both progress made and persistent gaps in inequality.
Neighborhood Revitalization and Inequality: Evidence from Chicago’s Public Housing Demolitions, March 4, 2025
Bryan Stuart analyzes the impacts of Chicago’s HOPE VI public housing demolitions, offering new evidence on how large-scale redevelopment initiatives affect inequality and economic mobility.
Inequality and Mobility in a Minimal Model for Evolving Income Distributions, February 18, 2025
Gary Hoover explores inequality and mobility through a minimal model of evolving income distributions, drawing on his expertise in income distribution, poverty, and public finance.