Redistribution policy and politics 2100-SPP-L-D3REPP
1. Introduction to the course
POLICY VIEW: ALLEVIATING SOCIAL PROBLEMS BY REDISTRIBUTION
2. Why inequality and poverty are social problems? Philosophical and empirical reasons
3. Theories of poverty and inequality overview and the case of Kuznets Waves
4. Poverty and inequality in charts
5. Redistribution or pre-distribution or both to mitigate inequality and poverty
6. Robin Hood and piggy bank together: social protection systems
7. Complexity of social protection delivery
8. Beyond redistributing money and social insurance: Inequalities in education with policy discussion
POLITICS VIEW: GAINING POLITICAL SUPPORT BY REDISTRIBUTION
9. Political economy of redistribution and inequality overview
10. Redistribution in democracies: democratic class struggle
11. Redistribution in autocracies
12. Redistribution in emerging democracies and under de-democratization process
13. Impact of redistribution on political support
14. Integrating policy and politics view
15. Summary and evaluation
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Type of course
Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of redistribution theories, policies, and practices
Understand the interplay between social protection systems and political dynamics
Recognize the complexities of implementing redistribution policies in various political contexts
Skills:
Develop critical analysis skills to evaluate redistribution policies and their impacts
Enhance ability to interpret and analyze data related to poverty and inequality
Improve capacity to synthesize information from policy and political perspectives
Strengthen argumentation skills through engagement with complex socio-economic issues
Attitudes:
Cultivate a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities in addressing inequality
Develop a critical yet constructive approach to assessing redistribution strategies
Foster an appreciation for the complexity of balancing social needs with political realities
Encourage an open-minded attitude towards diverse viewpoints on redistribution
These outcomes aim to equip students with a well-rounded understanding of redistribution politics and policy, enabling them to engage meaningfully with these issues in academic and professional contexts.
Assessment criteria
This course employs a diverse range of interactive and engaging learning methods to facilitate deep understanding and skill development:
PowerPoint Presentations:
Used to deliver core concepts and theories, providing visual aids to enhance comprehension of complex ideas. These presentations serve as a foundation for further discussion and analysis.
Google Forms:
Utilized for quick assessments, surveys, and gathering student feedback. This tool allows for real-time data collection and analysis, fostering an adaptive learning environment responsive to student needs.
Flipped Classroom:
Students engage with course materials (readings, recorded lectures) before class, allowing in-person time to focus on discussions, problem-solving, and application of concepts. This approach promotes active learning and deeper engagement with the subject matter.
Student Debates:
Organized around key issues in redistribution politics and policy. These debates enhance critical thinking, argumentation skills, and the ability to consider multiple perspectives on complex issues.
Grading rules
Attendance: There will be an attendance list you should sign every class. If you miss two classes it has no consequences. If you miss more than two classes you should meet the lecturer on his duty hours next week and pass missed topic. If you miss more than 6 classes you fail the course.
Exam: exam test.
Class participation: students are expected to read course readings before the class, asking questions and making comments during the class.
Other requirements: there will be obligatory online tasks and questionnaires and obligatory low-stake online tests during the course.
Grading: final grade depends on the test, attendance, Google form submissions, in class participation..
Practical placement
none
Bibliography
Scanlon, T. (2014). The 4 biggest reasons why inequality is bad for society.
Jacobs, D. (2015). Why extreme wealth is not merited. OXFAM Discussion Papers.
Brady, D. (2019). Theories of the Causes of Poverty. Annual Review of Sociology.
Guidetti, G., & Rehbein, B. (2014). Theoretical Approaches to Inequality in Economics and Sociology. A Preliminary Assessment. Transcience.
Milanovic, B. (2016). Global Inequality: A New Approach for the Age of Globalization.
Our World in Data. Extreme Poverty: How far have we come, and how far do we still have to go?
Roser, M., & Ortiz-Ospina, E. Income Inequality. Our World in Data.
Piketty, T., Saez, E., & Zucman, G. Economic growth in the US: A tale of two countries.
Milanovic, B. (2022). Global income inequality: time to revise the elephant.
Rodrik, D., & Stancheva, S. (2021). A Policy Matrix for Inclusive Society.
Piketty, T., et al. (2020). Pre-distribution versus redistribution: Evidence from France and the US.
Tuomala, M., et al. (2022). Pre-distribution requires redistribution.
Loewe, M., & Schüring, E. (eds.) (2021). Handbook on Social Protection Systems.
Duflo, E. Evaluating the Impact of Anti-Poverty Policies: The Value of Multiple Approaches. (Video)
Lindert, K., et al. (eds.) (2020). Sourcebook on the Foundations of Social Protection Delivery Systems. World Bank.
Langthaler, M., & Malik, J. (2023). Inequalities in education from a global perspective. Theoretical approaches, dimensions and policy discussions.
Gugushvili, D., & Laenen, T. (2021). Two decades after Korpi and Palme's "paradox of redistribution": What have we learned so far and where do we take it from here? Cambridge University Press.
McCarty, N., & Pontusson, J. The Political Economy of Inequality and Redistribution. In W. Salverda, B. Nolan, & T. M. Smeeding (Eds.), Economic Inequality. Oxford University Press.
Kawanaka, T., & Hazama, Y. (2016). Theory. In Political Determinants of Income Inequality in Emerging Democracies.
Gromadzki, J., Sałach, K., & Brzeziński, M. (2022). When Populists Deliver on Their Promises: The Electoral Effects of a Large Cash Transfer Program in Poland. IBS Working Paper 02/2022.
Notes
Term 2024Z:
none |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: