In this course, we investigate the effects of socio-economic inequality on well-being and sustainability. A thriving literature analyses the development of income inequality over time, its determinants, and its consequences. The aim of this course is to read several significant contributions to these fields and discuss their implications. Specifically, the first part of the course focuses on recent trends in income inequality. We also briefly discuss gender and racial inequality. The second and largest part looks at the effects of inequality on various outcomes, like psychological health, political polarization, crime, consumerism, household indebtedness, and the environment. The third part investigates determinants of income inequality and policy options to address high inequality.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will know:

• About recent trends in income inequality within and between countries, and the core differences between various measures of inequality.
• How inequality affects our society, economy, and environment.
• Key determinants of income inequality, and how policy makers can tackle inequality without causing significant unintended side effects.
• The basics about causality and credible identification strategies.
• How to read academic articles.

This is an examination-immanent course with compulsory attendance. To fulfill the minimum attendance requirement, you have to attend at least 6 full sessions out of 7. Please inform the lecturer in advance of any absence.

• Lectures
• Weekly readings 
• Student group presentations
• Group work
• Discussions 
• Videos
• Quizzes

Note: Students are required to read, present, and discuss academic articles. 

• Presentation (40%)
• Prepared comment on another group’s presentation (10%)
• Single choice questions on readings (15%)
• Short quizzes on previous class (15%)
• Participation (20%) 

Course enrollment is based on the 'first-come, first-served' principle. If you have registered but cannot participate in the course, please de-register via LPIS during the registration period so that your place is available to students on the waiting list. If there is a waiting list for enrollment in the course, students on the waiting list will be notified after the end of the enrollment period and will be allocated to available places. Students will be ranked by progress in their studies, not by their rank on the waiting list. This procedure, however, is not to be understood as a guarantee of class space.

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simon.sturn@wu.ac.at