International Growth and Development, Inequality, and Transitional Justice

3 units

This course will explore contemporary trends in transnational inequality, and the strategies proposed to address them. We'll look at the expanding wealth divide between global north and south countries, and inquire about the sources. Why is there a rising number of billionaires (who can end global poverty seven times over), and what are the policies that enable them to park and hide their wealth internationally? Do lending institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund help rectify these problems, or make them worse? Will small dose micro-credit loans help women and their families out of poverty? How have population programs derailed women's reproductive power, and supported heteronormative conceptions of the family? We will critically examine why development continues to be the main model for international aid programs. In addition, we'll ask about the alternatives, and how can we move from development to social and economic justice.