- Docente: Stefano Toso
- Credits: 10
- SSD: SECS-P/03
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in International Co-operation, Development and Human Rights (cod. 8058)
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student is able to use the theoretical and methodological tools for the study of the redistributive effects of public policies. She/he is also able to apply a comparative approach for the analysis of the Italian case in the context of the other industrialized economies.
Course contents
Part I - Role of the state and ethical foundations of redistribution
Introduction to the theories of distributive justice: libertarianism, unanimity and Pareto efficiency, utilitarianism, Rawls's theory of justice and the egualitarian principle, functioning and capabilities.
Part II - Inequality and poverty measurement
The axiomatic approach. Statistical measures and welfare-theoretic indices. Inequality and social welfare. Equivalence scales: basic definitions and methods of computing. Absolute, relative and subjective poverty. Poverty lines and methods of determination. Standard measures and the axiomatic approach.
Part III - Progressivity measurement
Redistribution and progressivity of the personal income tax and social transfers. Local and global measures of progressivity. Monetary transfers, poverty reduction and indicators of target efficiency.
Part IV - The expenditure for the welfare state
Theoretical justifications for welfare state expenditure. Ways of provision of social expenditure (in cash, in kind and voucher), Pensions. Social assistance.
Readings/Bibliography
M. Baldini, S. Toso, Diseguaglianza, povertà e politiche pubbliche, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2009, 2nd edition.
M. Baldini, S. Toso, I fondamenti etici della redistribuzione, available at the web address http://didattica.spbo.unibo.it/pais/toso/index.html
P. Bosi, (ed.), Corso di Scienza delle finanze, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2010, 5th edition [chapters I.1, II.1, III.1-2-3-5, VII.1-2-4].
Teaching methods
Lectures.
Assessment methods
All students must take a written exam. An oral (non compulsory) exam is also allowed. Students attending the lectures are expected to take a mid-term written exam. Students attending the lectures are also expected to submit a short essay on a chosen topic within a list suggested by the teacher.
Links to further information
http://didattica.spbo.unibo.it/pais
Office hours
See the website of Stefano Toso