Social scientists extensively study inequality, but rarely do they propose concrete measures to reduce inequality. In this seminar, we will critically read and discuss the book “Inequality: What can be done?” by economist Sir Anthony Atkinson’s (2015), in which he puts forward a concrete and comprehensive set of (recycled) policies in the areas of technology, employment, social security, the sharing of capital, and taxation to tackle economic inequality.
In the first part of the seminar, we will engage with Atkinson’s diagnosis of immense inequality in rich democracies drawing on recent empirical sociological research on inequality and stratification. In the second part, we will review and discuss his policy proposals in the light of alternative approaches such as Wright’s (2010) “real utopias”.
This seminar is aimed at students who want to deepen their knowledge in the field of social inequality and stratification and who are particularly interested in an understanding of the structural and institutional conditions of change with a focus on social policy. The seminar will be held in English.
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