The Myrdal-Schelling Debate

The Myrdal-Schelling Debate refers to a discussion between economists Gunnar Myrdal and Thomas Schelling about the role of race and economics in society. Myrdal argued that economic factors and social prejudices reinforce each other, leading to persistent inequality and segregation. He emphasized the importance of societal values. Schelling, on the other hand, focused on individual choices and interactions, suggesting that even in a racially diverse community, people may self-segregate based on personal preferences. This debate highlights differing perspectives on how social dynamics and economic conditions influence racial segregation and inequality in society.