Understanding Economic Inequality in the Long Run

Why does inequality persist across generations, and how do historical structures continue to shape modern economic security? Understanding the long-run dynamics of wealth and poverty is essential for anyone looking to analyze or influence social policy, urban planning, and economic development. This text-only course provides a comprehensive introduction to the structural drivers of economic disparity. You will transition from looking at inequality as a temporary market fluctuation to analyzing it as a long-term historical process influenced by institutional, geographic, and policy choices. What you'll learn: - Analyze historical trends in wealth and income distribution over decades and centuries. - Evaluate the relationship between economic security, systemic poverty, and urban development. - Understand how tax structures, labor policies, and social safety nets impact long-run inequality. - Explore contemporary debates surrounding wealth taxes, housing affordability, and universal basic income. - Examine empirical data and modern frameworks used by economists and planners to measure disparity. The course begins with foundational definitions of wealth, income, and poverty metrics. From there, you will read through historical case studies, analyze the role of urbanization and policy, and conclude by evaluating modern strategies designed to foster economic security. This program is designed for beginners interested in economics, public policy, sociology, or urban planning, with no prior background in advanced mathematics or economic theory required. Start reading today to build a deep, structural understanding of economic inequality and the tools used to address it.