Evolution, Pathways, and Behavioral Patterns of the Economic Elite

Advancing knowledge about economic elites is crucial for addressing inequality, as they are pivotal actors who influence economic and political outcomes. Political economist Kevin Young will examine how the population of the economic elite has changed over the last 20 years, the pathways individuals take into elite status, and the extent to which different pathways to elite status relate to patterns of donations, sponsorships, and philanthropic affiliations. He will analyze biographical and demographic data of individuals who meet the World Elite Database criteria for elite status, as well as Federal Election Commission records, and data from the Database on Ideology, Money in Politics, and Elections for his study.