The great divergence vs social inequalities?

The two most influential books in economic history of the new millennium, Kenneth Pomeranz’ The Great Divergence, and Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the 21^st century, offer two complementary views: the former puts the accent on areas, regions, eventually national differentiation over time, in terms of growth and despite initially quite similar structures and institutions. The latter insists on social inequalities within countries, which are then investigated in their historical and comparative perspective.

For the first time, these two authors will be gathered in a round table; the aim is precisely to discuss the interplay between their perspectives, in both analytical and historical empirical terms. Did the great divergence modify social inequalities in the concerned, and other areas? And vice-versa, how were social inequalities influenced by the great divergence? And, even more broadly, how do we investigate similar interplays over a longer span of time (in particular in the 20^th century) and in other areas (for example Africa).

Piketty’s latest book, A brief history of equality, offers a first attempt to answer these (and other questions). This roundtable, part of the debates organized by the Centre for Economic and Social History François Simiand at the Paris School of Economics and the EHESS, will start from this synthesis to discuss further integrations and developments.

Organizer: Alessandro Stanziani (EHESS, CNRS)

Program

Presentations:

• Thomas Piketty (PSE, EHESS)
• Kenneth Pomeranz (University of Chicago)

Roundtable:

• Chair: Éric Monnet (PSE, EHESS)
• Denis Cogneau (PSE, EHESS, IRD)
• Katharina Pistor (Columbia Law School)
• Alessandro Stanziani (EHESS, CNRS)