Inequality and social inclusion

Rising inequality is one of the key topics we frequently encounter in the media and policy debates. Progressing globalisation, expanding financial markets and skill-biased technological change are identified as the main drivers of income inequality within and across countries. Rising income inequality is considered a potential threat to the stability of political systems and economic growth due to reduced opportunities and social exclusion of low-income households. While the public debate usually focusses on income inequality and wealth, many other inequalities arise in societies challenging policy. For instance, we observe gender inequalities in the labour market, unequal access to education and health systems, and intergenerational and interregional inequality associated with climate change.

This specialisation is designed to provide clarity on the topic of inequality by generating a clear understanding of inequality and resulting policy goals. After you have studied this specialisation, you will be able to answer the following questions:

• What is inequality and how can it be measured and identified?
• How do we evaluate inequality and what should the goal of distributional policy be?
• What are the causes and consequences of inequality?
• How can we act on inequality?