SOCL 3030 - Poverty, Wealth, & Inequality

Hours: 4
This seminar is designed to explore the paradox that lies in the persistence of poverty in the United States, one of the wealthiest nations in the world. The course will reflect on the ways in which poverty and social class in the United States are informed by other structures of inequality such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, national origin, and citizenship status. In order to do so, we will review a number of perspectives on the ways the institutional structures that drive socioeconomic inequality impact access to resources and “life chances” for both groups and individuals. Both historical and comparative perspectives will be employed to examine U.S. public policies designed to address systemic socioeconomic inequalities (such as cash assistance, social security, unemployment insurance, parental leave, and health care policy). The various ways poverty intersects with family concerns and influences outcomes at various stages in the life cycle are central points of inquiry.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or higher.

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SOCL 3030 - Poverty, Wealth, & Inequality