Inequality Public Policy

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Master of Laws

This course considers inequality as a central challenge for public policy and democracy. The first half of the course analyses the measurements of inequality, its history, competing perspectives on causes, public opinion concerning it, and institutions and actors shaping it, and the importance of it for our democracy, as well as a deeper dive on different demographics. The second half of the course considers the shape of the welfare state in the US, as well as a host of different policy areas. Students will analyze the structure of the system that has created these inequalities as well as variation across different issue areas and potential for reform. As one of several assignments, students write a policy memo suitable for submission to a member of Congress or other key political actor.