Keywords

Learning outcomes

Students will use concepts and theory from economics, political science, etc. to understand some of the root causes and consequences of inequality. Similar tools will help students to evaluate possible policies.

Contents

The Study module consists of two courses which are offered by turns:
- Inequality
- Dictatorship and Democracy
Course options will be provided yearly in the teaching schedule.

Inequality
Inequality is a crucial issue in world affairs. It is both a political and economic issue, and the problem is addressed very differently around the world, with strong policy differences perceived between the United States and the Nordic countries. This class will examine the issue of inequality from a range of perspectives. Subjects include: economic causes of inequality, political causes of inequality, economic and political repercussions from inequality, the impact of inequality on demand for public goods and income redistribution, labor policy and inequality, health and inequality and welfare state policy and inequality.

Dictatorship and Democracy
The course examines the issue of what constitutes dictatorship and what constitutes democracy from all angles. We will explore the definitions of each and evaluate the goals of various types of dictators as well as of democratic governments. We will analyze the tools used to meet these goals and compare the constraints placed upon various forms of governments. From this perspective, we can assess the potential effects of various types of dictatorial versus democratic rule upon the economy, the welfare state, upon the population itself, and internationally.

Evaluation and evaluation criteria

Study materials

The readings will be available on JSTOR or online.

Belongs to following study modules

2018–2019

Teaching

Archived Teaching Schedule. Please refer to current Teaching Shedule.

PCP10/NAM IV Government and Society: Inequality

For Open University students only

PCP10/NAM IV Government and Society: Inequality