Topics in Policy Analysis (Half-Term): Politics of Inequality

This seminar examines the politics and political economy of inequality and the welfare state, focusing on the institutions and policies of the advanced industrial economies. Why has inequality risen faster in some countries than in others? What is the relationship between equality, redistribution, and economic growth? And what are the social and economic consequences of inequality on policy preferences. We review simple models of policy choice by self-interested voters in a purely majoritarian setting. We also explore the role of different economic and political institutions such as firms, unions, parties, and electoral systems.