This course examines the causes and consequences of poverty in the United States and reviews the major social policies used to reduce poverty. It will emphasize U.S. policy approaches but will also include material on other countries for a comparative perspective. The course will emphasize empirical research from a broad range of sources including economics, political science, sociology, developmental psychology, and public health.
The types of questions to be addressed include the following: What is poverty? Why is poverty so persistent? Why are poverty rates for minorities so high? Is there a culture of poverty? What is the causal impact of poverty on children and adults? What is the effect of social policies on poverty? What are the interrelationships among poverty, family structure, parental behavior, inner city neighborhoods, education, labor market conditions, and public policies? Is poverty passed on from generation to generation?
Students are expected to attend class, prepare discussion questions for each class and participate in class discussions, lead the class discussion once per quarter, prepare a policy memo, and complete a take-home final exam.
