Inequalities exist both locally and globally across multiple domains: health, access to justice and public administration, political power, the judiciary, education, income and wealth, climate change impacts and marginalisation. That makes inequality one of the key scientific and societal themes of our times. 

Leiden University addresses the cause and meaning of inequality through disciplines including economics, law, political science, psychology, anthropology, governance, history, earth sciences, sociology, data and health sciences.

We help find solutions relating to income and wealth inequalities, challenges within the job market and social mobility. We also examine the role of the education system in perpetuating or reducing inequality, as well as the causes of health inequalities among socioeconomic groups and people from diverse sociocultural backgrounds. 

Leiden University possesses extensive expertise in various fields. We explore questions such as: How do national and international legislation and policy processes drive inequality?  And how can we change the judiciary, education, healthcare system, social security, taxation system or international trade relations to reduce inequality? We also examine the dynamics of discrimination and exclusion, political representation, civic participation and social justice, often collaborating with policymakers and partners from society.

We apply our knowledge in various ways to create a more just society by addressing and overcoming inequality.