Overview
Introduction
In an age of rapid economic and social change, the study of inequality has become one of the most important research areas in the social sciences field.
This interdisciplinary programme examines the socioeconomic causes and impacts of global inequalities, drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, anthropology, economics, geography, law and statistics.
You’ll develop your theoretical awareness of different types of inequality and the role of political institutions in combating these challenges. Typical topics covered include gender, class, social mobility, race and cultural representations.
You’ll complete rigorous research skills training and learn how to measure and analyse social inequality – preparing you to conduct research or policy analysis in your future career.
LSE is home to leading academics and thinkers in the inequalities research field. Our department is closely connected with the International Inequalities Institute – which brings together academics and researchers from across LSE to understand the reasons behind escalating inequality across the world and to develop effective solutions. So, you’ll be learning from leading thinkers in the field.
This programme opens the doors to many different careers in policymaking, research, international organisations and NGOs.
A limited number of fully funded places are available to successful applicants on the Residential Track of the Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity (AFSEE) programme. The fellowship programme brings together policymakers, activists, practitioners, artists, and researchers from around the world to explore and challenge the root causes of inequality. AFSEE provides a generous living stipend and covers tuition fees for the MSc Inequalities and Social Science.
Preliminary readings
- T Atkinson Inequality: what can be done? (Harvard Press, 2015)
- H Dean and L Platt Social Advantage and Disadvantage (Oxford Press, 2015)
- B Milanovic Global Inequality: A new approach for the age of globalization (Harvard Press, 2016)
- Shaheen, F Know your place: how society sets us up to fail (Simon and Schuster, London, 2023)
