Equality, Dem Welfare State

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course will provide students with a broad understanding of the policies aimed at dealing with socioeconomic inequality in democratic systems. The first part of the course will consider the foundations of the equality principle and its proclamation in the modern state, using foundational documents from the U.S. and European experiences. The second phase of the course will examine the varieties of equality and inequality, including such concepts as the "equality of opportunity" and anti-discrimination laws and affirmative action. In this context we will also analyze the European "welfare state" model, describing its origin and discussing its future, as well as the traditional struggle between individual liberty and the common good. The final section of the course will introduce some case studies from the equality policies and their legal framework in both Europe and Brazil. This course is taught by the Visiting FLAD Professor, a program that brings a leading Portuguese thinker and policymaker to Georgetown each year.