This module focuses on poverty and economic inequality as factors that limit people’s capacity to fulfill their life chances. The examined topics include the measures of inequality, inequalities between and within nations and regions, individual inequalities, global wealth pyramid, impact of economic inequality (e.g., modern day slavery) and the efforts to fight poverty and inequality. For an overview of these themes see Module 2 Slides.

Objectives

After completing this module, you should be able to do the following:

Describe the trends in inequality of income and wealth among and within the globe, regions, and nations and individuals
Evaluate the consequences of inequality and poverty for people’s life chances.
Understand how globalization, historical, environmental, cultural, and geographic factors contribute to uneven development and inequality among countries.
Distinguish developing countries from developed countries and know the basis on which they are classified.
Understand the relationship between labor force participation in economic sectors and human development.
Propose actions that international governmental organizations, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and states can take to improve people’s life chances.

Assignments & Assessment

You have two weeks to complete Module 2 assignments.

During the first week, please:

complete the assigned textbook readings: Chirico Chapter 2: Socioeconomic Fault Lines, pages: 30-84.
take Module 2 Quiz, (Due September 18).

During the second week, please:

complete the Applied Learning Tasks, and
write and submit Module 2 Essay Assignment (Due September 25).