Conversations with Tyler Gregory Clark on Social Mobility, Migration, and Assortative Mating (Live at Mercatus)
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Feb 19, 2025 
Gregory Clark, an economic historian and professor, unpacks the puzzling nature of social mobility. He reveals that our life's trajectory is influenced by historical factors more than we think, with relative mobility rates unchanged for 300 years. The conversation dives into why England became a meritocracy and how assortative mating perpetuates inequality. Clark also discusses India's delayed industrialization, the complexities of immigration, and the role of family structure in shaping economic outcomes, raising profound questions about genetics and social status.
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Static Social Mobility
- Social mobility rates have remained static for centuries, even in medieval England.
- Focus on relative rankings within society, not just absolute living standards.
Relative Position Obsession
- Material living standards are less important than relative social position.
- People are obsessed with relative rankings, who goes to elite universities, and who holds power.
Early Meritocracy
- Meritocracy was achieved earlier than expected, possibly by 1700 in England.
- In a true meritocracy, social position is determined by genetics and randomness.
