How Is Our World Changing? What Economists Can Tell Us About Work, Technology and Everyday Life

This is a one hour webinar lead by three University of Oxford economists: Michael McMahon, Aarushi Kalra, & Mathias Jensen in which they discuss how our lives are changing and how we might respond.

At the start of the event, there will be a short live survey on some of the questions the speakers will be discussing, before returning to the results later to see how they compare with what the research tells us.

Each speaker will give a short talk before moving to a panel discussion and questions from the audience.

The way we work and make everyday decisions is changing. What can economics tell us about what is happening, and how we might respond?

This special What Economists Really Do episode brings together three University of Oxford economists working on different aspects of these changes.

We’ll hear about diversity and opportunity in the workplace, the growing use of AI and what it could mean for work and daily life, and financial literacy, particularly among young people. The speakers will share insights from their research and discuss what they have learned.

Join us to hear what economists are discovering about some of the changes affecting our lives, take part in the survey and put your questions to the panel.

Michael McMahon, Professor of Economics, University of Oxford

Aarushi Kalra, Associate Professorship of Economics, University of Oxford

Mathias Jensen, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Oxford

This event is most suitable for young people aged 15+ and adults.

This event is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the current economic climate from the perspective of economists. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, hear expert insights and explore how economic changes may affect you.

28 October 2026, 5pm