EconTalk · Russ Roberts

The Invisible Hierarchies that Rule Our World (with Toby Stuart)

October 6, 2025·1 hr 13 min·5 clips

Toby Stewart reveals how status hierarchies evolved to stop us from literally punching each other in the face over resources.

Host Russ Roberts interviews Toby Stewart about his book 'Anointed,' exploring how social status and hierarchy shape opportunity, resource allocation, and decision-making in modern society. They discuss examples from art, restaurants, and AI, examining both the functional benefits and unfair consequences of status dynamics.

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