Inequality, Economic Mobility & Public Policy

Undergraduate

This course provides an introduction to the sociological analysis of economic inequality and social mobility with a focus on the contemporary United States. We begin with an overview of core concepts in the study of inequality and mobility including measurement and recent trends. We then proceed by examining the role of institutions—including the family, schools, neighborhoods, labor markets, and the criminal justice system—in mitigating, maintaining, or reproducing inequalities within and between groups. We also critically evaluate public policy proposals aimed at reducing inequality and promoting economic mobility. SO 0 Course cr TTh 10:30am-11:20am