The main objective of this course is to introduce students into the analysis of economic inequality, an issue of increasing importance in public debates in both developed and developing countries. We study the different approaches and main tools for the quantification of phenomena related with equity in the distribution of economic resources such as inequality, poverty, or discrimination of women in the labor market. We discuss the main practical problems and conceptual issues associated with the quantification of these phenomena. We also present the most adequate indicators, after analyzing their properties, and study current trends and their causes. A gender perspective is transversal to the whole course.
The course has a very practical orientation so that the student has the necessary tools to be able to interpret critically studies and reports related with equity. After the course, the student should also be able to replicate the main indicators using household survey data using specific free software for distributive analysis (DAD). Undertaking a brief report about a distributive issue in which students apply their acquired knowledge is essential part of the course.
English Friendly subject: International students may request from the teachers: a) resources and bibliographic references in English, b) tutoring sessionsin English, c) exams and assessments in English.
