Advancing social equity through research, programming, and policy

Advancing social equity through research, programming, and policy

The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University is a scholarly collaborative that studies the causes and consequences of inequality and develops remedies for these disparities and their adverse effects.

William A. Darity Jr. and Lisa Gennetian: A Child-Centered Framework for Black Reparations

William A. Darity Jr. and Lisa Gennetian: A Child-Centered Framework for Black Reparations

Founding Director William A. Darity Jr. and Faculty Affiliate Lisa Gennetian publish co-authored study on how reparations could specifically address long-standing disparities experienced by Black children and their families.

Arielle Solomon ’25 on Marine Science, Inequality Studies, and Learning to See the World Differently

Arielle Solomon ’25 on Marine Science, Inequality Studies, and Learning to See the World Differently

This weekend, Arielle Solomon will graduate from Duke with a major in Marine Science and Conservations and a minor in Inequality Studies, a combination that displays her appreciation for both animal science and the humanities.

Kelly Padalino ’25 on the Value of Inequality Studies and her experience at Duke

Kelly Padalino ’25 on the Value of Inequality Studies and her experience at Duke

When Kelly Padalino was applying to college, her plan was simple: focus on her academics but continue dancing. Her decision to attend Duke set her on a path that combined her love of the arts and public policy, and later, a new understanding…

Professional headshot of Dr. William Darity

A Message from Our Director, Dr. William A. Darity Jr. ("Sandy")

The Cook Center stands as a beacon of scholarly collaboration, delving into the multifaceted causes and consequences of inequities across economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions. Our mission is clear—not only understand the roots of inequality but, more importantly, to assess existing and develop new tangible remedies that directly address the adverse effects of unfair disparities. We seek to unite Duke’s intellectual strengths as we build an outstanding research center devoted to the study of human disparity, especially group-based disparities. 

Research & Publications

A framework and policy case for black reparations to support child well-being in the USA

Authors: Lisa A. Gennetian, Christina Gibson-Davis, & William A. Darity Jr. Journal: Nature Human Behavior…

Photo of doctor and mom with child

Social contexts and black families’ engagement in early childhood programs

Authors: Jane Leer, Imari Z. Smith, Zoelene Hill, and Lisa A. Gennetian Journal: PLOS One…

1917, Old Steel Mill

Gains from factory electrification: Evidence from North Carolina, 1905–1926

Author: Will Damron Journal: Explorations in Economic History Abstract: Between 1900 and 1930, the share…

How epigenetic inheritance fails to explain the Black-White health gap

Authors: Evan Charney, William Darity Jr., and Lucas Hubbard Journal: Social Science & Medicine Abstract:…

With Faith in God and Heart and Mind: A History of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity

Authors: Maurice J. Hobson, Eddie R. Cole, Jim C. Harper, and Derrick P. Alridge Book…

Editorial – Caste, class, race, and inequality: insights for economic policy

Authors: William A. Darity and Isabel Ruiz Journal: Oxford Review of Economic Policy Abstract: Disparities…

I am not (your) superwoman, Black girl magic, or beautiful struggle: Rethinking the resilience of Black women and girls

Authors: Keisha L. Bentley-Edwards and Valerie N. Adams Journal: American Psychologist Abstract: The concept and…

Ain’t I a Migrant?: Global Blackness and the Future of Migration Studies

Authors: Jean Beaman and Orly Clerge Journal: International Migration Review Abstract: In the wake of…