GOVT113 CM - Inequality, Politics, and Public Policy: Class, Race, and Gender

This course examines the basic dimensions of inequality and the history of changes in the distribution of wealth, power, and patterns of ethnic and gender relations, primarily in the United States but with particular reference to how emerging global markets may be changing inequality patterns in the U.S. Rates of social mobility (who moves up, down, sideways?) are examined. The course deals with current and emerging political and policy issues arising from such developments as: Proposition 187, the changing occupational structure and shifting career opportunities, changing policies on discrimination, affirmative action and work force diversity, generational divides, changes in crime and criminal justice, political and perceptual “gender gaps,” welfare issues and the “tax wars” (who pays, who receives?).

Prerequisites: Introductory level economics, psychology and/or sociology course recommended.

Offered: Occasionally

Credit: 1

Course Number: GOVT113 CM