This historical moment makes clear the urgent need for reducing economic inequality, while presenting a unique opportunity for change. As the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed gaps in the social safety net, protests in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder have mobilized a powerful new movement for racial justice. Leading economic experts discuss the gaping disparities by race and class that have driven so many Americans into the streets, and examine the prospects for policy and institutional changes that could create a more equal society, starting today.
Featuring:
- Darrick Hamilton, executive director of the Kirwan Institute and professor of public policy, sociology, and economics at Ohio State University, who is a frequent commentator on NPR, MSNBC, and the BBC, and a member of the Biden-Sanders Unity Task Force.
- Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize–winning economist, distinguished professor at The Graduate Center, New York Times columnist, and author of the recent book Arguing with Zombies: Economics, Politics, and the Fight for a Better Future.
- Eduardo Porter, economics reporter for the business section of The New York Times and author of the recent book American Poison: How Racial Hostility Destroyed Our Promise.
- Janet Gornick, professor of political science and sociology and director of the Stone Center, moderates.
This video was recorded live on Zoom on June 18, 2020, and has been lightly edited.