Inequalities are at the forefront of many contemporary public and policy debates. We want to understand the causes of inequalities, the effect they have on people’s chances in life, and to identify viable policy options for a more inclusive society, in the context of turbulent and uncertain economic growth, earnings and productivity in the post-pandemic world.
We are concerned with securing social inclusion and addressing inequalities, discrimination and vulnerabilities, in a diverse and fragmented society. We define diversity broadly to include income, health, wealth, education, geography, age, gender, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation.
We recognise that different types of inequality often intersect and have implications for economic, social, physical and emotional well-being.
Our inequality research explores the ways in which people’s characteristics and circumstances affect their vulnerability to adverse outcomes, and how those risks can be mitigated. This includes understanding what policy and practice interventions would best address inequalities.
Our impact in inequality
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The IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities aims to understand inequality of income, health, wealth, political participation, and opportunity, looking across gender, ethnicity, geography, age, education and other dimensions. Outputs from the review have helped to drive the national and political debate on these topics, featuring heavily in Parliamentary debates and national media.
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Researchers from the LSE examined developments in ten major areas of social policy including social security, early childhood, education, health, social care, physical safety and homelessness between 2015 to 2020. Findings have been presented to senior politicians and used for written and oral contributions to Parliamentary select committees.
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The Food Foundation Broken Plate report highlights high levels of inequality that are damaging to health. The Food Foundation also provided evidence that underpinned the successful campaign by the Child Food Poverty Task Force, formed by Marcus Rashford MBE, for the expansion of free school meals across school holidays.
