Economics of Inequality
Content
Objective
The aim of this course is to examine the causes of economic inequality and its evolution over time through theoretical approaches and empirical studies.
Course Content
In this course, students will examine the emergence, evolution, and measurement of inequalities across different areas of economics through theoretical models and empirical studies. A substantial part of the course will be devoted to the analysis and comparative discussion of academic studies employing different methods and approaches. In addition, students will develop their ability to apply and evaluate these methods and approaches through empirical studies focusing on Turkey.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
Explain the main causes and different dimensions of economic inequality.
Evaluate the main indicators and methods used to measure inequality.
Compare and analyze different theoretical approaches and empirical studies.
Critically assess the methodologies and findings presented in academic articles.
Analyze data and empirical research on economic inequality in Turkey.
Conduct an independent empirical study using theoretical and empirical approaches.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Theoretical lectures, analysis of academic articles, discussion of empirical methods and findings, comparative analysis, student presentations, and applied studies focusing on the Turkish economy.
References
- Atkinson, A. B., & Bourguignon, F. (Eds.). (2014). Handbook of income distribution (Vol. 2). Elsevier.
- Atkinson, A. B., Piketty, T., & Saez, E. (2011). Top incomes in the long run of history. Journal of economic literature, 49(1), 3-71.
- Deaton, A. (2013). The great escape. In The Great Escape. Princeton University Press.
- Goldin, C., & Katz, L. F. (2009). The race between education and technology. Harvard University Press.
- Piketty, T. (2021). Une brève histoire de l'égalité. Paris: Éditions du Seuil.
- Salverda, W., Nolan, B., & Smeeding, T. M. (Eds.). (2009). The Oxford Handbook of Economic Inequality. OUP Oxford.
Weekly Contents
| Week | Weekly Contents |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction |
| 2 | Theoretical Models and Stylized Facts |
| 3 | Redistribution and Social Welfare |
| 4 | Poverty and Social Exclusion |
| 5 | Labor Share and Functional Income Distribution |
| 6 | Income and Wealth Inequality |
| 7 | Wage Inequality |
| 8 | Gender Inequality and Discrimination |
| 9 | Regional and Spatial Inequality |
| 10 | Intergenerational Inequality and Mobility |
| 11 | Educational Inequality |
| 12 | Health Inequality |
| 13 | Inequalities in Well-being and Life Satisfaction |
| 14 | General Review and Discussion |
Assessment System
| Activities | Number | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution of in-term studies to overall grade | 2 | 50 |
| Contribution of final exam to overall grade | 1 | 50 |
| Total | 3 | 100 |
| Activities | Number | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 1 | 6 |
| Presentation | 1 | 6 |
| Midterm Examinations (including preparation) | 0 | 0 |
| Project | 0 | 0 |
| Laboratory | 0 | 0 |
| Other Applications | 0 | 0 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 |
| Term Paper/ Project | 1 | 12 |
| Portfolio Study | 0 | 0 |
| Reports | 0 | 0 |
| Learning Diary | 0 | 0 |
| Thesis/ Project | 0 | 0 |
| Seminar | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 |
| Make-up | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 3 | 24 |
ECTS
| Activities | Number | Period | Total Workload |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Hours | 14 | 8 | 112 |
| Working Hours out of Class | 14 | 5 | 70 |
| Assignments | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Presentation | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Midterm Examinations (including preparation) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Project | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Laboratory | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other Applications | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Final Examinations (including preparation) | 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Quiz | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Term Paper/ Project | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Portfolio Study | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Reports | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Learning Diary | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Thesis/ Project | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seminar | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Make-up | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Yıl Sonu | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hazırlık Yıl Sonu | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Hazırlık Bütünleme | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Workload | 200 | ||
| Total Workload / 25 | 8.00 | ||
| Credits ECTS | 8 | ||