CALL FOR PAPERS

THE GRADUATE INEQUALITY

REVIEW

VOL. 3 SPECIAL THEME

Polarisation and Inequality:
Examining the Links and
Consequences, and
Overcoming these Challenges

DEADLINE: 15 April 2024

Contributions could be in the form of an academic
piece [3,500 words max] or perspectives [1,200 words
max]. They are subject to review by experts and
scholars to ensure quality and rigour.

https://www.graduateinequalityreview.com/
 CALL FOR PAPERS
THE GRADUATE INEQUALITY
REVIEW

VOL. 3 SPECIAL THEME

Submissions should be aligned with any of
the guide questions.

1. How might polarisation and inequalities

interact with, reinforce, or challenge each
other?

2. How might societies be affected by

polarisation and inequalities?

3. How can agents—individuals and institutions

alike—overcome these difficulties?

To submit
Email graduateinequalityreview@gmail.com:
250-word abstract and article type
author name/s and affiliation/institution

https://www.graduateinequalityreview.com/
 The Graduate Inequality Review
Volume 3: Special theme

Polarisation and Inequality: Examining the Links and Consequences and

Overcoming these Challenges

Polarisation and inequality are two distinct concepts, yet they share common ground.
Researchers like Esteban and Ray (1994) argue that polarisation fundamentally differs
by emphasising the dissimilarity among groups. Conversely, inequality, as described by
Allison (1978), focuses on the unfair distribution of resources or opportunities. Despite
their differences, both concepts segregate populations into groups and encompass
sociological, political, and economic dimensions, indicating a strong interrelation.
Recent studies by Clementi et al. (2018), Gu and Wang (2022), Gunderson (2022), and
Stewart et al. (2020) have explored the significant relationships between rising income
inequalities and political polarisation, raising the complex question of causality. Yet, the
prevailing trend is clear: both polarisation and inequalities are increasing, as evidenced
by perception surveys like those from Gallup International (2023) and Ipsos (2018), which
echo sentiments of “A World Divided”. The ongoing global tensions and conflicts not only
highlight these inequalities but also suggest that the linkages and consequences of
escalating polarisation and inequalities are becoming more intricate.

Hence, in this special theme, these are the main questions we ask.
1. How might polarisation and inequalities interact with, reinforce, or challenge each
other?
2. How might societies be affected by polarisation and inequalities?
3. How can agents—individuals and institutions alike—overcome these difficulties?

1
REFERENCES CITED

Allison, P. D. (1978). Measures of Inequality. American Sociological Review, 43(6), 865–880.

https://doi.org/10.2307/2094626
Clementi, F., Fabiani, M., & Molini, V. (2018). The Devil Is in the Details: Growth, Polarization,
and Poverty Reduction in Africa in the Past Two Decades. World Bank Group.
https://doi.org/10.1596/1813-9450-8494
Esteban, J.-M., & Ray, D. (1994). On the Measurement of Polarization. Econometrica, 62(4),
819–851. https://doi.org/10.2307/2951734
Gallup International. (2023, March 25). The World is divided these days – but how seriously?
https://www.gallup-international.com/survey-results-and-news/survey-result/the-world-is-divided-
these-days-but-how-seriously
Gu, Y., & Wang, Z. (2022). Income Inequality and Global Political Polarization: The Economic
Origin of Political Polarization in the World. Journal of Chinese Political Science, 27(2), 375–
398. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11366-021-09772-1
Gunderson, J. R. (2022). When Does Income Inequality Cause Polarization? British Journal of
Political Science, 52(3), 1315–1332. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007123421000053
Ipsos. (2018, April 23). BBC Global Survey: A world divided? | Ipsos. https://www.ipsos.com/en-
uk/bbc-global-survey-world-divided
Stewart, A. J., McCarty, N., & Bryson, J. J. (2020). Polarization under rising inequality and
economic decline. Science Advances, 6(50), eabd4201. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abd4201