United States Poverty and Public Policy

This course explores U.S. poverty and public policy through a sociological lens. It examines key aspects of poverty (e.g., measurement, trends, causes, consequences), the U.S. welfare system (e.g., social assistance program, welfare reform, international comparisons), and other substantive policy areas (e.g. food/housing insecurity, employment, healthcare, education). This course encourages critical reflection and assessment of poverty and the motivations and implications of anti-poverty policies and other policies that impact Americans.