98945 - Economics of Inequality and Poverty

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be able to understand the phenomenon of economic disparities in a broad sense and to engage in public debate with accuracy regarding the criteria used to evaluate such phenomena. Through a set of analytical tools aimed at measuring the temporal evolution of inequality and poverty, the student will be able to differentiate economic policy interventions based on the specific features of different market systems and to assess the potential conditions for public intervention consistent with the principles of a just social order.

Course contents

The proposed syllabus is indicative and outlines some guidelines based solely on selected bibliographic references. These will be complemented by additional materials provided by the instructor throughout the course.

As this is the first year of implementation for a course with these characteristics, the instructor reserves the right to promote or emphasize specific topics based on the needs or suggestions that may emerge from the attending students.

Topics of investigation:

• Economics of Inequality and Poverty – their role in society

• Focus on inequality and poverty – definitions and interpretations

• Philosophical approach – the interaction between Ethics and Economics

• Historical evolution of inequality

• Merit – a consequence of a just social order

• Measurement – indices and relevant statistical tools

• Equivalence scales and the rationale for public intervention

• Inequality of opportunity and merit

• Randomized experiments and identification of policy tools

• Public interventions and evaluation of their effects

• Educational processes and case studies linked to specific reforms

Readings/Bibliography

The detailed list of required readings will be provided at the beginning of the course. Additional materials produced by the instructor will be distributed throughout the term.

Some reference texts related to the topics covered include:

• Piketty, T. (2021). Capital and Ideology. La nave di Teseo – (chapters to be specified)

• Baldini, M. and Toso, S. (2009). Inequality, Poverty and Public Policies, Il Mulino – Chapters 1–2

• Galbraith, J. (2016). Inequality: What Everyone Needs to Know, Oxford University Press – Chapters 1–5

• Franzini, M. (2018). Unacceptable Inequalities: Economic Immobility in Italy, Laterza

• Gentili, A. and Pignataro, G. (2021). Inequality and Education in Italy, Carocci – Chapters 4–5

Additional documentation (e.g., book chapters, academic papers, op-eds, or other relevant readings) may be assigned and distributed by the instructor during the course.

Full details regarding the exact study materials will be communicated at the start of the course.

Teaching methods

The course will be delivered through in-person lectures and group interactions among students. Given the specific nature of the course and the economic-quantitative dimension of the topics addressed, regular attendance is strongly recommended and considered highly important for effective learning.

Assessment methods

Assessment Methods

The assessment method (to be finalized) may follow two possible formats:

1. A written exam consisting of multiple-choice and open-ended questions covering the topics addressed throughout the course.

2. The submission of a final paper (approximately 3,000 words), accompanied by an in-class presentation at the end of the course. This option may be available depending on the number of attending students.

The maximum achievable grade is 30 cum laude, based on the following scale:

• <18: Fail

• 18–23: Satisfactory

• 24–27: Good

• 28–30: Very good

• 30 cum laude: Excellent

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities:

Please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Additional Activities

During the course, the instructor will provide supplementary materials to complement the theoretical lectures, as outlined above.

In addition to the theoretical content, the course will also include group-based assessments on selected key topics related to business economics.

Office hours

See the website of Giuseppe Pignataro