Understanding Poverty and Inequality from edX

In September 2015, 193 member states of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and committed themselves to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are interconnected, recognizing that poverty cannot be eradicated without improved health and education, sustainable economic growth cannot occur on a planet under threat of climate change, and so forth.

Goal 1, “End poverty in all its forms everywhere,” calls on stakeholders at every level to drastically reduce the number of people living in poverty, provide services and assistance to those in need, and ensure the resilience of the poor and vulnerable in times of crisis. SDG 1 builds on earlier calls to cut poverty in lower-income countries by, first, calling for the elimination of extreme poverty worldwide by 2030, and for every country to cut all dimensions of nationally-defined poverty by half by the same date. Goal 1 further draws linkages between poverty and climate disasters, and sets targets for social protection, resource mobilization and policy development. Likewise, Goal 10, “Reduce inequality within and among countries,” calls on stakeholders at all levels to empower the economic, political, and social inclusion of all people; and for governments to work together to provide pathways of opportunity across the world.

This course will present an overview of the definitions, scale, and scope of different forms of poverty and inequality across the world. It will examine links between poverty, inequality, and well-being; opportunities for socioeconomic mobility; the particular challenges facing women, minorities, Indigenous people, and vulnerable populations; and how poverty and inequality link to issues like climate change, migration, and conflict. Finally, the course will conclude with a look at policy approaches and tools for addressing poverty and inequality in a variety of contexts.

Understanding Poverty and Inequality was created by the SDG Academy in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution.

This course is for:

Policy professionals who want to understand the scale and scope of poverty and inequality in order to design effective interventions
Development practitioners seeking knowledge on poverty alleviation
Advanced undergraduates and graduate students interested in economics, development, and other key concepts related to the poverty and inequality

What's inside

Learning objectives

Global poverty and exclusion as a multidimensional set of deprivations
Key elements of the history, achievements, and remaining challenges of poverty and inequality around the world

Causes of poverty and inequality
Tradeoffs and synergies across dimensions of sustainable development, including identity-based discrimination, climate vulnerability, and more

Global poverty and exclusion as a multidimensional set of deprivations
Key elements of the history, achievements, and remaining challenges of poverty and inequality around the world
Causes of poverty and inequality
Tradeoffs and synergies across dimensions of sustainable development, including identity-based discrimination, climate vulnerability, and more

Syllabus

Module 1: An Introduction to Poverty and Inequality

Chapter 1: What do we mean by “poverty” & “inequality”?

Chapter 2: Measurement, trends, and rates of change

Chapter 3: How does economic growth affect poverty and inequality?

Chapter 4: Case study: Poverty reduction in East Asia

Chapter 5: Case study: Broad-based growth in Ethiopia

Module 2: Multidimensional Measures of Poverty

Chapter 1: Multidimensional poverty vs. income poverty: why it matters

Chapter 2: Measuring multidimensional poverty

Chapter 3: The MPI information platform

Chapter 4: Policy approaches to multidimensional poverty

Module 3: Explaining Global Inequality

Chapter 1: Defining inequality

Chapter 2: Measuring income inequality

Chapter 3: Global versus within-country inequality

Chapter 4: Winners and losers in the global economy

Chapter 5: Convergence and poverty hotspots

Chapter 6: Tackling inequality

Module 4: Poverty and Subjective Well-being

Chapter 1: Introducing well-being

Chapter 2: Measures of well-being

Chapter 3: The U Curve

Chapter 4: The Adaptation Conundrum and Progress Paradoxes

Module 5: Identity and Exclusion

Chapter 1: Inequality, poverty, and social identity

Chapter 2: Race and financial inequality

Chapter 3: Gendered dimensions of poverty

Chapter 4: Inequality and indigenous experience

Chapter 5: Case study: Exclusion and inequality in South Africa

Chapter 6: Case study: Policing, racism, and colorism in America and beyond

Chapter 7: Case study: Worthy of investment: The devaluation of assets in Black American communities

Module 6: Poverty and Inequality, Today and Tomorrow

Chapter 1: New inequalities of the 21st-century

Chapter 2: Poverty, inequality, and the COVID-19 pandemic

Chapter 3: Why climate matters for poverty and inequality

Chapter 4: The evolution of the global middle class

Chapter 5: Mobility, migration, and opportunity

Chapter 6A: Fiscal policy, inequality and poverty in low and middle income countries

Chapter 6B: Fiscal policy reforms: is UBI a good idea?

Chapter 7: Cash transfers for poverty alleviation

Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores poverty and inequality, which are important global issues

Taught by instructors who are experts in the field of poverty and inequality

Highly relevant to students with an interest in global development and social justice

Develops understanding of the multidimensional nature of poverty and inequality

Examines the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality

Provides a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Poverty and Inequality with these activities:

Review Poverty and Inequality: A Global Perspective

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This book will give you a comprehensive overview of the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality.

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Read the introduction and first chapter.
Read the case studies in each chapter.
Write a summary of the main arguments in each chapter.

Refresh knowledge of global economics

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By refreshing your knowledge of global economics, you can better understand the issues related to poverty and inequality.

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Review notes or textbooks from previous economics courses.
Read articles or watch videos on current economic issues.
Take practice quizzes or do practice problems.

Join a study group or discussion forum on poverty and inequality

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This will give you the opportunity to learn from others and to share your own ideas.

Browse courses on Poverty

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Find a study group or discussion forum that meets your interests.
Participate regularly in the group's activities.
Be respectful of other members of the group.

Five other activities

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Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter

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This will give you firsthand experience of the challenges faced by people living in poverty.

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Contact a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter and ask about volunteer opportunities.
Show up on time for your volunteer shift and follow the instructions of the staff.
Be respectful of the people you are serving.

Follow a tutorial on how to use a specific poverty or inequality dataset

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This will give you the skills you need to work with poverty and inequality data.

Browse courses on Poverty

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Find a tutorial on how to use a specific poverty or inequality dataset.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Practice using the dataset on your own.

Create a blog post on a poverty-related topic

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This will help you to develop your understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality, and to communicate your ideas effectively.

Browse courses on Poverty

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Choose a topic that you are interested in and that you have some knowledge about.
Research your topic thoroughly.
Write a clear and concise blog post that presents your findings.
Publish your blog post and share it with others.

Create a data visualization on a poverty-related topic

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This will help you to communicate your findings in a clear and concise way.

Browse courses on Poverty

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Choose a poverty-related topic that you want to visualize.
Collect the data that you need.
Choose the appropriate visualization type.
Create your visualization.

Start a project to raise awareness of poverty and inequality

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This will allow you to put your knowledge into action and make a difference in the world.

Browse courses on Poverty

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Identify a specific issue that you want to address.
Develop a plan for your project.
Reach out to potential partners and supporters.
Implement your project.
Evaluate the impact of your project.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Poverty and Inequality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Human Rights Activist

Human Rights Activists advocate for the protection and promotion of human rights, including the elimination of poverty and discrimination. This course provides a deep understanding of human rights principles and strategies for advocacy, enabling learners to effectively engage in human rights work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Rights Activist

Social Justice Advocate

Social Justice Advocates work to promote social justice and equality for all. This course provides a deep understanding of the root causes of poverty, inequality, and discrimination, and equips learners with strategies for advocating for systemic change.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts play a critical role in shaping policies to address poverty and inequality. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the key issues, challenges, and approaches in this field. Learners will gain valuable insights into how evidence-based research and analysis can inform policymaking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Sociologist

Sociologists study the social and cultural factors that shape poverty and inequality. This course provides a foundation in sociological theories and research methods, enabling learners to analyze and understand the complexities of social issues and contribute to evidence-based interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Research Analyst

Research Analysts conduct research and analysis to inform policy and program development in the field of poverty and inequality. This course provides a foundation in research methods and analytical techniques, empowering learners to gather, analyze, and interpret data effectively.

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Economist

Economists use their knowledge of economic principles to analyze trends and make recommendations on issues related to poverty, inequality, and development. This course provides a solid foundation in these areas, equipping learners with the tools and frameworks necessary for a successful career in economics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work in developing countries to promote economic and social development, including poverty reduction and inequality mitigation. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and approaches in international development, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful contribution.

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Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality. This course provides a solid understanding of the principles and best practices in program management, enabling learners to effectively manage and contribute to successful poverty alleviation initiatives.

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Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Directors lead organizations dedicated to addressing social issues such as poverty and inequality. This course provides a foundation in nonprofit management and leadership, enabling learners to effectively manage and grow organizations that create positive social change.

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Community Development Specialist

Community Development Specialists play a key role in poverty alleviation and social impact. This course helps build a foundation for this work by providing insight into the various dimensions of poverty, inequality, and their impact on individuals. Learners will also gain an understanding of evidence-based approaches to tackling these issues and promoting community well-being.

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Social Impact Investor

Social Impact Investors seek to invest in projects that generate both financial returns and social benefits, such as poverty reduction and inequality mitigation. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of social impact investing, enabling learners to make informed decisions and contribute to positive social change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Impact Investor

Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and implement plans for the development and revitalization of urban areas. This course provides a foundation in the principles and practices of urban planning, enabling learners to incorporate poverty reduction and inequality mitigation into their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Journalist

Journalists play a critical role in exposing poverty and inequality and holding those in power accountable. This course provides a foundation in the principles and practices of journalism, enabling learners to effectively report on these issues and raise awareness.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide direct services and support to individuals and communities affected by poverty and inequality. This course provides a foundation in the principles and practices of social work, enabling learners to effectively engage with clients and empower them to overcome challenges.

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Teacher

Teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds of young people and fostering their understanding of social issues. This course may be useful for teachers who want to incorporate topics related to poverty and inequality into their curriculum or who want to better understand the challenges faced by their students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher