Matrix Teach-In
Recap
Published November 2, 2026
Desmond Jagmohan: “Two Concepts of Patriotism: Nationalist and Civic”
Social Science Matrix hosted a lecture by Desmond Jagmohan, Assistant Professor of Political Science at UC Berkeley, that focused on the distinctions between nationalist from civic patriotism. The lecture was delivered as part of the Matrix Teach-In series, which brings some of UC Berkeley’s most engaging social science lecturers into a public setting.
Learn More >New Directions
Recap
Published November 1, 2026
New Directions: Green Transitions
The transition to a low-carbon economy is reshaping how societies produce and consume energy, with far-reaching implications for technology, industry, policy, and everyday life. Recorded on October 14, 2026, this panel brought together advanced graduate students from UC Berkeley whose research examines the forces shaping green energy transitions around the world.
Learn More >California Spotlight
Recap
Published October 14, 2026
California Spotlight: Wealth & Poverty
California is one of the wealthiest states in the country, yet it also faces persistent poverty, stark economic inequality, and some of the highest costs of living in the nation. Recorded on October 7, 2026, this panel brought together leading scholars to examine the forces shaping wealth and poverty across the state. Featuring David Grusky and Samuel Trachtman, with Evan White moderating.
Learn More >Authors Meet Critics
Recap
Published October 14, 2026
Authors Meet Critics: “Demos: How the People Ruled Athens”
Recorded on October 1, 2026, this video (and podcast) features an Authors Meet Critics panel on the book "Demos: How the People Ruled Athens," by Daniela Cammack, Assistant Professor of Political Science at UC Berkeley. With comments by James Porter and Kinch Hoekstra. Moderated by Dylan Riley.
Learn More >Authors Meet Critics
Recap
Published April 23, 2026
The Insatiable Machine: How Capitalism Conquered the World
Watch the video (or listen to the podcast) of our Authors Meet Critics panel on the book "The Insatiable Machine: How Capitalism Conquered the World," by Trevor Jackson, Associate Professor of History at UC Berkeley. Professor Jackson was joined in conversation by Chenzi Xu and Dylan Riley, with Abhishek Kaicker moderating.
Learn More >Matrix On Point
Recap
Published April 23, 2026
Matrix on Point: The U.S. Dollar Hegemony in Transition
Recorded on April 8, 2026, this panel brought together scholars to examine the foundation of U.S. monetary influence and the role of financial innovation in an evolving global economy. The panel featured Barry Eichengreen, Rohan Kekre, and Chenzi Xu, with Brian Judge moderating.
Learn More >Matrix On Point
Recap
Published March 3, 2026
Matrix on Point: Corruption in America
Watch the video (or listen to the podcast) of our recent Matrix on Point panel focused on "Corruption in America," featuring leading scholars from business, political science, and law to examine the many facets of corruption in the United States and the ways it is identified, constrained, and addressed.
Learn More >Interview
Podcast
Published February 3, 2026
“Some College” and the Social Function of Higher Education: An Interview with Sarah Payne
What are the economic consequences of starting, but not completing college? On this episode of the Matrix Podcast, Sarah Harrington, Program Manager at Social Science Matrix, spoke with Sarah Payne, a sociologist who recently published a paper in Sociology of Education that examined what happens when students begin college but fail to graduate. “Although non-completion […]
Learn More >Lecture
Recap
Published February 3, 2026
American Contradiction: Revolution and Revenge from the 1950s to Now
How did Americans come to elect Barack Obama — and then Donald Trump? Watch the video of a talk by Paul Starr, Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs, and Stuart Professor of Communications and Public Affairs, at Princeton University, discussing his book, "American Contradiction: Revolution and Revenge from the 1950s to Now."
Learn More >Matrix On Point
Recap
Published December 15, 2025
Matrix on Point: Financializing Disaster
The technical world of insurance is a critical lens through which to understand the escalating crises in climate change and housing. Watch the video (or listen to the podcast) of a Matrix on Point panel that brought together experts to explore the intersection of insurance, housing, and climate. The panel featured Stephen Collier, Desiree Fields, and Dave Jones, with Meg Mills-Novoa moderating.
Learn More >Matrix On Point
Recap
Published November 17, 2025
Matrix on Point: Spaces for Thriving
Physical spaces profoundly influence community well-being. Recorded on November 3, 2025, this panel brought together experts to explore how thoughtful planning and strategic policy can shift power toward communities, creating conditions where all can thrive. The discussion bridged diverse perspectives on environmental conservation, design psychology, and disability studies to illuminate steps toward more just and inclusive environments.
Learn More >CRELS
Recap
Published October 21, 2025
Legitimation by (Mis)identification: Credit, Discrimination, and The Racial Epistemology of Algorithmic Expansion
Recorded on September 22, 2025, this video features a talk by Davon Norris, Assistant Professor of Organizational Studies and Sociology (by courtesy) and Faculty Associate at the Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics at the University of Michigan. Professor Norris’s research is broadly oriented to understanding how our ways of determining what is valuable informs patterns of inequality with an acute focus on racism and racial inequality.
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