The Challenges of Global Poverty from edX

This course is part of the MITx MicroMasters program in Data, Economics, and Development Policy (DEDP). To enroll in the MicroMasters track or to learn more about this program and how it integrates with MIT’s Master’s Program in DEDP, please visit the MicroMasters portal.

This is a course for those who are interested in the challenge posed by massive and persistent world poverty, and are hopeful that economists might have something useful to say about this challenge. The questions we will take up include: Is extreme poverty a thing of the past? What is economic life like when living under a dollar per day? Are the poor always hungry? How do we make schools work for poor citizens? How do we deal with the disease burden? Is microfinance invaluable or overrated? Without property rights, is life destined to be "nasty, brutish and short"? Should we leave economic development to the market? Should we leave economic development to non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? Does foreign aid help or hinder? Where is the best place to intervene? And many others.

At the end of this course, you should have a good sense of the key questions asked by scholars interested in poverty today, and hopefully a few answers as well.

Course Previews:

Our course previews are meant to give prospective learners the opportunity to get a taste of the content and exercises that will be covered in each course. If you are new to these subjects, or eager to refresh your memory, each course preview also includes some available resources. These resources may also be useful to refer to over the course of the semester.

A score of 60% or above in the course previews indicates that you are ready to take the course, while a score below 60% indicates that you should further review the concepts covered before beginning the course.

Please use the this link to access the course preview.

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Covers real-world issues related to poverty, making it relevant to those working in development or social justice

Taught by renowned economists Esther Duflo and Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, recognized for their work in development economics

Relevant to students pursuing a career in development or economic policy

Suitable for those seeking an overview of the challenges and approaches to addressing extreme poverty

Course part of the MITx MicroMasters program, potentially opening doors to further academic study

Requires a basic understanding of economic principles, which may be a prerequisite for some learners

Reviews summary

Thought-provoking poverty course

This course delves into the complexities of global poverty and its impact on society. By examining key economic theories and real-world case studies, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the world's poorest populations. Throughout the course, learners will explore topics such as the extent of global poverty, the challenges of providing education and healthcare to impoverished communities, and the role of microfinance and foreign aid in alleviating poverty.

Course covers important issues.

"This course is an eye-opener."

Pathway to MIT program.

"Anyone who is interested...would benefit in joining the micromasters track."

Challenging course material.

"Completing it with an A was challenging."

Career center

Learners who complete The Challenges of Global Poverty will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for organizing and implementing various programs. Many Program Managers work in social services or community organizing. The Challenges of Global Poverty may be particularly useful for Program Managers who hope to work in non-profit or governmental development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Research Analyst

Research Analysts lead studies that examine a variety of topics. These roles can be found in many fields, including finance, healthcare, and policy. The Challenges of Global Poverty can help inform study design and analysis, particularly for researchers interested in international development.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts help craft, implement, and assess policies affecting the public. They work on a wide range of issues, including poverty and development. The Challenges of Global Poverty may be especially appealing to those interested in using their analytic skills to fight poverty.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

International Development Officer

International Development Officers are involved in fundraising, planning, and executing projects abroad. The Challenges of Global Poverty can help them understand poverty's causes and the challenges of addressing it.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate challenging life circumstances, including poverty. They often provide support, counseling, and resources. The Challenges of Global Poverty can help Social Workers deepen their understanding of the complex challenges faced by those they serve.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of non-profit organizations. They work in diverse fields, including social services, education, and the environment. The Challenges of Global Poverty can help develop a nuanced understanding of poverty and its many causes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with local communities to address issues they face. They often focus on issues such as poverty, health, and education. The Challenges of Global Poverty can help Community Organizers understand the root causes of poverty and develop strategies to address them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Economic Development Officer

Economic Development Officers work to improve the economic well-being of communities. They often develop and implement programs to attract businesses, create jobs, and improve infrastructure. The Challenges of Global Poverty can help them understand the challenges of economic development and the potential impact of their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economic Development Officer

Grant Writer

Grant Writers help nonprofit organizations secure funding for their programs and projects. The Challenges of Global Poverty can help Grant Writers understand the needs of impoverished communities and the types of programs that are most likely to be funded.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help businesses and individuals make financial decisions. They analyze financial data and make recommendations based on their findings. The Challenges of Global Poverty may be useful for Financial Analysts who want to understand the financial challenges faced by impoverished communities.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. They often work in fields such as finance, healthcare, and policy. The Challenges of Global Poverty may be useful for Data Analysts who want to use their skills to understand and address poverty.

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Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of businesses. They often work in fields such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The Challenges of Global Poverty may be useful for Operations Managers who want to understand the operational challenges faced by businesses operating in impoverished communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers develop and execute sales strategies to sell products and services. They often work in fields such as consumer goods, healthcare, and technology. The Challenges of Global Poverty may be useful for Sales Managers who want to understand the sales challenges faced by businesses operating in impoverished communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They often work in fields such as consumer goods, healthcare, and technology. The Challenges of Global Poverty may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to understand the marketing challenges faced by businesses operating in impoverished communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help businesses improve their performance. They often work in fields such as strategy, operations, and finance. The Challenges of Global Poverty may be useful for Management Consultants who want to understand the challenges faced by businesses operating in impoverished communities.

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Thought-provoking poverty course

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