The Economics Show Why even a PhD isn’t enough to erase the effects of class, with Anna Stansbury
Oct 7, 2024
Anna Stansbury, an assistant professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management, explores class-based inequalities in the US. She emphasizes how family backgrounds can hinder career progression, regardless of educational achievements like a PhD. The discussion delves into how class disparities persist in academia and the stark differences between private and public sector opportunities. Stansbury advocates for more inclusive practices that consider socioeconomic factors, aiming to illuminate the often-invisible class dynamics affecting professional success.
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Class Consciousness
- Brits perceive class inequality more strongly than Americans, rating it a 7 out of 10 compared to a 4.
- Americans tend to focus on race as the primary source of inequality, while Brits see class as more central.
Defining Class
- Class is more than just income; it encompasses resources, parental education, and cultural capital.
- Class background shapes opportunities and social status more than current economic standing.
Research Motivation
- Anna Stansbury's research interest stems from a UK perspective, where class is more salient, and work on diversity in economics.
- She found existing data allowing her to examine the role of class, even after achieving a PhD.