This course covers the triangulation of the distribution of income and wealth, economic growth and prosperity, and political power. In particular, we address the consequences of inequality of economic resources for macroeconomic developments and the balance of power between interest groups. Based on theoretical literature and recent empirical findings, this course provides:

• An overview of the empirical research on inequality, including a discussion of available data and current methods in inequality Analysis
• A thorough understanding of the theoretical and empirical relationship between inequality and economic growth
• A multi-paradigmatic approach towards power in economic theory

This course aims to:

• Introduce the Post-Keynesian theoretical and empirical literature on the nexus between distribution and economic growth
• Introduce recent advances in inequality research in selected subfields 
• Provide a critical assessment of economic theory on the balance of power between interest groups
• Analyze current challenges of inequality and imbalances of power in Austria and the European Union
• Raise awareness of inequality in the light of recent research
• Highlight possible solutions and allow students to form their own view on policy issues

After attending the course, students will:

• Have an overview of the recent empirical research on the evolution of inequality in income and wealth
• Be aware of the complexity of issues of power in economics and be able to assess various paradigmatic approaches
• Have amplified their stock of arguments for economic debates about inequality, power, and growth
• Have formulated a research proposal
• Have improving academic reading and writing skills, expanded their capacity to think critically and learned how to present effectively in a setting of very limited time

Attendance and active participation are mandatory. We will not grant any exceptions! 

In case you miss a class without informing us prior to it, you will loose 10 points (=10 percent). There will be no exceptions. If you miss a class, you have to solve an extra assignment as compensation in order to not loose points. 
 

The lecturers introduce the individual topics and provide an overview of the relevant literature. Moreover, we offer a summary of applied research on distribution of income and wealth and present recent findings. Students have to draft a research proposal and you have to present this proposal in class.  You will receive detailed feedback on that proposal! 

The course offers a lot of room for discussion in order to permit students to assess various arguments and perspectives, form their own opinion and argue it in a group setting. The teaching is designed to encourage students to actively participate in the debates, raise questions, hone their arguments, and gain experience in presenting their empirical findings in a poster session.

• Short homeworks on selected literature (30% of final mark) 
• Presentation (20%)
• Research Proposal (50%)

matthias.schnetzer@wu.ac.at; franziska.disslbacher@wu.ac.at