On April 26, four of America’s leading social scientists convened to discuss economic inequality and the Great Recession, in a forum co-hosted with The Nation magazine. Amid worrying signs of resurgent inequality, they debated the problem in light of structural realities, political constraints, and global trends.

Jeff Madrick of the New School introduced the forum by framing inequality as primarily an issue of stagnant wage growth and job creation. Harvard University sociologist Orlando Patterson followed with a detailed look at racial inequality, offering sobering statistics and nuanced analysis about the economic distress of African-Americans. Sociologist Katherine Newman of Princeton University examined the particularly deep unemployment crisis among young workers entering the workforce and its possible long-term effects. Finally, Jacob Hacker, political scientist at Yale University, outlined the political economy that fostered America’s high level of inequality and considered the prospects for reform.

Eyal Press of New America and The Nation moderated the spirited discussion that followed. Audience questions touched upon the effects of health care reform, gender issues, and the role of labor unions.