About:
The realities of the Pandemic in 2020 have highlighted the underlying structural causes of inequality in the United States, and across the globe. The clear differences between those who can stay at home and stay safe, and those who cannot, highlights the corrosive effects of inequalities. Throughout 2020 we have also witnessed an increase in political instability with growing polarization over social issues and public health protection measures. This civil unrest highlights the fragility of our current social systems, and demonstrates the consequences of growing economic inequality.
At the same time the November elections in the United States involved the largest numbers of voter participation recorded since 1900, perhaps a hopeful sign of increased political engagement. The question remains, now that the impact and consequences of these inequalities have been exposed, will the pandemic be a catalyst for change? This symposium will explore the underlying inequalities in our social systems, discuss potential solutions, and examine the extent to which these structural faults could lead to a growth in political violence and disorder.
Speakers:
PROFESSOR ANKE HOEFFLER
Professor of Development Research, Department of Politics & Public Administration, University of Konstanz
What are the global costs of violence?
PROFESSOR KATE PICKETT
Professor of Epidemiology, University of York
How More Equal Societies Reduce Stress, Restore Sanity and Improve Everyone’s Wellbeing
PROFESSOR GEOFF K. WARD
Professor of African and African American Studies, Sociology and American Culture Studies, Washington University in St. Louis
Haunting Legacies of Racial Violence: Clarifying and Addressing the Presence of the Past
