Bites of Inequality
Fiscal Drama at Noon
Inequality never sleeps, but it does take a lunch break.
Our new series Bites of Inequality begins with Patrick Sullivan (Yale University), who will serve an appetizing mix of political sociology and fiscal suspense. His talk explores the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a U.S. law that managed to be both massively unpopular and politically successful.
Patrick will show how regressive tax cuts and social program rollbacks became public law and what this reveals about the relationship between persuasion, policy, and power. You can find future dates and details here. Read more about Patrick and his work here.
Bring your curiosity, your sociological imagination, and maybe something to nibble on.
About the series
Bites of Inequality is a midday talk at the LMU Institute of Sociology in cooperation with ISI. It brings together researchers and the public to discuss current research on social inequality in an open and accessible way.
Together across continents for inequality research
A New Conversation Begins in Hong Kong
Inequality research has a new home in Asia. On 4 December, the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality in Asia will open at the University of Hong Kong.
The new Center focuses on the comparative study of income and wealth inequality in Asia. It connects researchers across disciplines and countries to understand the causes and consequences of inequality and to compare Asian experiences with those in North America and Europe. Drawing on diverse data sources, it will strengthen collaboration across Hong Kong, mainland China, Asia, and beyond.
Among the keynote speakers are Steven Durlauf from the University of Chicago and Fabian Pfeffer, Professor of Sociology at LMU Munich and Director of ISI, who will speak on Wealth (P(Re))Distribution.
We are delighted to welcome our colleagues in Hong Kong and look forward to a close and inspiring collaboration.
More information here
Photo: Stella Traub
Not Our Event (But Still Cool)
London Calling
It is not every day that some of the sharpest minds in economics and political thought gather in one virtual room. The Stone Centre at UCL is hosting its first online dialogue, Inequality in the History of Economic and Political Thought, bringing together an exceptional panel: Branko MilanoviΔ, David Lay Williams, Beatrice Cherrier, and Anna Stansbury, chaired by John Cassidy from The New Yorker.
They will explore how thinkers from Plato to modern economists have grappled with inequality, and how those ideas still shape the way we talk about wealth, power and justice today.
The conversation builds on two acclaimed books, MilanoviΔβs Visions of Inequality and Williamsβs The Greatest of All Plagues, and promises intellectual fireworks with historical depth.
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
5:00β6:45 pm UK | 12:00β1:45 pm New York | 11:00 amβ12:45 pm Chicago
Online via Zoom
Register here
A rare chance to watch great thinkers think in real time.
Inequality in the History of Economic and Political Thought
Hey there!
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Your likes, reposts, tags, and comments honestly make our day. We notice every one of them, and weβre genuinely grateful for the attention and curiosity you bring.
Keep sharing, reacting, and spreading the word. Weβll keep showing up with sharp visuals, thoughtful stories, and small bites of inequality research worth your scroll.
If youβve read this far, congratulations
Youβve made it to the end of another ISI newsletter, and weβre back on track after an intense conference season. Something new is brewing. Weβre not ready to spill the details just yet, but letβs just say the next few months wonβt be boring.
Someone recently told us the newsletter might be a little too colorful. We respectfully disagree. The world is grey enough, and inequality research doesnβt have to be.
As always, we love hearing from you β praise, critique, or gentle provocation all included.
Until the next issue, stay curious and keep asking good questions.
Affectionately yours,
The ISI Team