Pervasive in our economy are inequalities across socioeconomic groups: for example by gender, race, ethnicity, religion or creed, and class. Understanding the origins of these inequalities, as well as how they manifest themselves across time and space, is crucial to developing effective policies that can close gaps and ensure that all citizens have equal opportunities to succeed. The Socioeconomic Inequalities Initiative will support the research of UChicago scholars who are pushing the boundaries of inequality research across social groups and encourage innovation in economic research on this topic, including the incorporation of insights from other fields where appropriate. Inequality not only reveals itself in economic outcomes but also through such phenomena as cultural influence—from social media to entertainment and journalism—regulation, the criminal justice system, education, institutions, and a host of others. Given their broad reach, it is important to understand how inequalities persist, where they persist, and also why some have faded over time. In addition, it is important to take into account how and why the social groups over which these inequalities exist are themselves constructed and determined, and how that process varies across time, regions, and countries. To address these important issues, Initiative scholars will employ new and innovative sources of data that will lend fresh insight to long-term problems and, and provide nuanced analysis that can help inform policymaking.

UChicago faculty interested in being affiliated with this initiate may reach out to the faculty directors for next steps.