The science of inequality

Troubling data show how the pandemic has exacted an unequal toll, pushing tens of millions into poverty and having the greatest effects on already-disadvantaged groups.

Randomized trials are changing the way governments and aid organizations study — and deliver — measures to reduce inequality and poverty.

Experiments are transforming development research – but scientists must ensure the benefits reach those most in need.

Better data and new statistical techniques could enable researchers to measure the form of inequality that seems most harmful to society — inequality of opportunity.

Wide-ranging expertise and direct involvement of those affected will help to make inequality research more meaningful.

In separate books, leading economists explore the wide-ranging changes needed to produce a more just society.

Ignoring the challenges of research in low-income countries only perpetuates inequity.

Jasmin Graham has a passion for predators and promoting inclusive science.

The difference between the number of men and women listed as authors on scientific papers and inventors on patents is at least partly attributable to unacknowledged contributions by women scientists.

We dive into Nature’s special edition on efforts to quantify and tackle inequality around the world, and investigate why breast cancers spread more at night.

COVID has exposed stark inequality - we walk through the latest data

In California’s San Joaquin Valley, some researchers are turning political to address the social determinants of health.

Local exposure to inequality in low-income areas is positively associated with support for a tax on wealthier individuals to address economic disparities.

Psychosocial measures improve the cost-effectiveness of multi-faceted interventions against extreme poverty.

Machine-learning algorithms can take advantage of survey and mobile phone data to help to identify people most in need of aid, complementing traditional methods for targeting humanitarian assistance.

An epidemiological model that integrates fine-grained mobility networks illuminates mobility-related mechanisms that contribute to higher infection rates among disadvantaged socioeconomic and racial groups, and finds that restricting maximum occupancy at locations is especially effective for curbing infections.