The course aims in a first instance to provide a solid understanding of the extent and development of economic inequality in several dimensions, as well as of its conceptual, methodological and statistical foundations. It then identifies the possible driving forces and causes of the observed trends in inequality. In a third instance, the course will discuss the multiple possible consequences of inequality on the economy and the society. Finally, the course aims to review, analyse and discuss existing or desirable measures to reduce inequality – with the view of identifying evidence-based policies.
The objective is to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills and instruments to analyse economic inequalities and policy solutions. Throughout the course, the emphasis is on a cross-country international comparative approach, focusing on EU and OECD countries and selected key emerging economies. In that context, the changing role and impact of international organisations, such as the European Commission, the ILO, the IMF and the OECD will be highlighted.
Michael FÖRSTER
Cours magistral seul
English
Before each session of the course, students are required to read the assigned literature and, if applicable, watch dedicated videos (accessible on moodle). Students will also be asked to prepare short introductive input presentations to some of the sessions.
(strong) interest in distributional issues
Autumn 2024-2025
Presence is mandatory in all sessions. Students are also expected to organize and participate in collective debates, particularly on policy solutions to excessive economic inequality. Students will be asked to prepare a written analytic paper or book review during the course. For the last session, participants will be working in groups and will be asked to present, discuss and comment a research question provided a fortnight ahead.
- written seminar paper: 50%
- group presentations and discussions: 30%
- participation and contributions at class: 20%
The sessions will be organised in an interactive mode. The teacher will develop the issues of the session, presenting the main results of relevant research on the analysed topic. Each of the topics will be discussed collectively and, as much as possible, in group work. Several sessions will benefit from external interventions and discussions with experts and policy advisors, via zoom.
Atkinson, A.B. (2015), Inequality – What Can be Done?, Cambridge MA and London England, Harvard University Press. https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674979789
Salverda, W., B. Nolan and T. Smeeding (eds.) (2011), The Oxford Handbook of Income Inequality, selected chapters, Oxford, Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199606061.001.0001
Atkinson, A.B. and F. Bourguignon (eds.) (2015), Handbook of Income Distribution, Volume 2A-2B, selected sections, Elsevier, https://www.sciencedirect.com/handbook/handbook-of-income-distribution/vol/2/
Blanchard, O. and D. Rodrik (eds.) (2021), Combating Inequality – Rethinking Governments Role, selected chapters, Cambridge MA and London England, MIT Press. https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262547253/combating-inequality/
Selected sections and chapters from OECD flagship publications on inequality, available/downloadable via oecd Library (https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/; Username: 2023-wise; Password: oecdilibrary2023)
Milanovic, B. (2016), Global Inequality: A New Approach for the Age of Globalization. Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvjghwk4