EconTalk

James Heckman on Inequality and Economic Mobility

Jul 26, 2021

James Heckman, a Nobel Laureate and distinguished economist from the University of Chicago, delves into the complex relationships between inequality and economic mobility. He shares insights from Danish welfare state research, arguing that despite its educational access, economic mobility remains similar to that in the U.S. The discussion critiques the influence of family dynamics on children's outcomes and the challenges of public policies. Heckman also contrasts the American Dream with European experiences, emphasizing the need for systemic changes beyond welfare supports.

01:23:40

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Episode guests

James Heckman

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Lessons from Scandinavian Social Policies

18min

Family Dynamics and Economic Mobility

19min

The American Dream and Economic Mobility

22min

Exploring Family Dynamics and Public Policy

4min

Cultural Norms and the Influence of Victorian Values

3min

Navigating Parental Involvement and Charter Schools

16min

Economist and Nobel Laureate James Heckman of the University of Chicago talks about inequality and economic mobility with EconTalk host Russ Roberts. Drawing on research on inequality in Denmark with Rasmus Landerso, Heckman argues that despite the efforts of the Danish welfare state to provide equal access to education, there is little difference in economic mobility between the United States and Denmark. The conversation includes a general discussion of economic mobility in the United States along with a critique of Chetty and others' work on the power of neighborhood to determine one's economic destiny.