Inequality and redistribution

ECTS : 3

Description du contenu de l'enseignement :

In most developed countries, inequality has been rising in recent decades, becoming a key political issue at the center of the public debate. This course aims at understanding the historical evolution of between- and within-country inequality from the late 19th century until today, and what are the key drivers explaining this evolution. How to adequately measure inequality? How does globalization impact global inequality? What is the effect of technological change on labor income inequality? What is the role of public policies in mitigating these effects? We will review economic theories and use up-to-date empirical techniques to address these questions. Through the presentations of recent research papers, students will also get acquainted with the multiple dimensions of inequality (e.g. gender inequality, racial inequality, inequality in education outcomes, etc.).

Compétence à acquérir :

  At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe the evolution of income inequality in developed and developing countries since the 19th century
• Identify and describe the drivers of the change in labor and capital inequality
• Understand and use models to rationalize the change in labor and capital inequality
• Understand and design policy tools that  can mitigate inequality through redistribution

Mode de contrôle des connaissances :

Assessment will be based on a presentation (30%), a final written exam (65%) and participation in class (5%). The presentation will consist in presenting in class a research paper addressing the question of inequality. The final exam will be a mix of short questions about concepts seen in class and question where the student will be asked to develop his own analysis using the concepts seen in class.  

Bibliographie, lectures recommandées :

 A specific reading list is provided at the start of each session.