IP3034 THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF GLOBAL INEQUALITY

This module explores wealth and income inequality from a historical and global perspective. In particular, the module examines inequality within countries, between countries and among citizens of the world. There is a general consensus that inequality within countries and among the world’s citizens has increased over the past few decades, while inequality between countries has decreased. What remains hotly contested within political economy are the precise causes and consequences of these changes in the global pattern of wealth and income distribution. The first half of the module is focused on the theories and empirical patterns of global inequality. The second half of the module then investigates the consequences of inequality and critically evaluates some of the policy initiatives aimed at tackling inequality.

Related blog post: Teaching Income Inequality: Theory in Historical Perspective

Latest Syllabus: 2023/24