Dr D.R. (Daniel) Curtis

Positively Shocking! The redistributive impact of mass mortality through epidemic diseases

Dr Daniel Curtis’ project tests a widely-supported notion that catastrophic shocks such as violent conflict and epidemic diseases were the only times throughout history when societies became more equal. Was this really so, and were there particular societal and epidemiological conditions that allowed the direction of redistribution to deviate from this pattern? In light of contemporary concerns about emerging infectious diseases, it is imperative we understand the capacity of epidemic diseases to shape socio-economic development. This is especially important when we consider the grossly inaccurate predictions of the economic impact of Ebola.