The Economics of Inequality

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course will examine the causes and consequences of economic inequality. Topics covered include conceptual issues in measuring inequality and understanding its consequences for welfare; a comparison of inequality across countries and over time; the role of globalization and technological change in explaining recent increases in inequality in the U.S.; explanations for inequality across groups, including race, gender, childhood socioeconomic status and age; and the role of government in addressing inequality. Students will write a paper evaluating a policy proposal aimed at reducing inequality.