We study urgent present-day societal challenges in a historical perspective
The Economic and Social History group at Utrecht University studies worldwide economic and social developments, including fundamental transitions as well as periods of crises, from the Middle Ages to the present. We study urgent present-day societal challenges such as inequality, inclusive institutions and the relationship between people and the environment in a historical perspective. In doing so, we make comparisons over time and between regions including Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Our research programme is subdivided into three different clusters: Inequality and Development, Sustainability and Environmental Change and Innovation and Institutions.
Areas of expertise: inequality | institutions | innovation | business history | citizenship | sustainability | gender relations | financial markets | labour history