Inequality & Effects of Law

Most societies (including Norway) rely on law to curb unwanted inequality, but we poorly understand the effects of pro-equality laws as they play out in complex, dynamic social systems. It is a disturbing paradox that states that have made deep and concerted attempts to re-engineer their society through law and courts – Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, India – remain among the most unequal or are witnessing rising inequalities. More generally, the persistent rise of inequalities across the globe (including in Norway) coincides with an explosion of law. The Inequality & Effects of Law research unit aims to advance our understanding of how law produces both inequality and equality, and under which circumstances legal strategies succeed in countering inequalities. Research Leader: Anja Ariansen. Contact: info@lawtransform.no.