Poverty, Inequality and Redistribution

Module Code

SSU44110

Module Title

Poverty, Inequality and Redistribution

 ECTS Weighting

10 ECTS

Year

SS

Semester Taught

2

Module Co-ordinator

Dr. Joe Whelan

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• LO1 critically compare the strengths and weaknesses of alternative concepts of poverty;
• LO2  Explain the different methodologies used in measuring poverty and inequality, and the interplay between concepts and methodology;
• LO3  Analyse and critique data on poverty, inequality and social expenditure;
• LO4  Discuss policy principles and how to reconcile conflicting goals that can arise when formulating policy responses to poverty and inequality;
• LO5  Integrate concepts and evidence from different social science disciplines;
• LO6  Demonstrate  written and verbal ability to communicate concise and theoretically grounded arguments as they relate to poverty and inequality.

Module Content

The purpose of the module is to explore the conceptualisation and measurement of the concepts of poverty and inequality, and how public policy impacts upon them.
Students will examine how our understanding of these concepts has developed over time, and critically analyse the different ways in which we measure them. Students will consider how effectively different measures capture the experience of poverty and inequality.
The module examines key public policy issues in relation to poverty and inequality, considering how potentially conflicting principles can be reconciled in designing policy responses.
Students will develop a critical knowledge of income distribution processes – broadly defined – and related policy arguments. The role of employment, care and gender will be considered, along with that of tax, welfare and other social spending systems, in redistributing income, resources and life chances. Specific aspects of social security, taxation and social policy will be considered, and alternatives such as basic income will be critically reviewed.

Teaching and Learning methods

Lectures, assigned readings.

Assessment*

Assessment Component

Assessment Description

LO Addressed

% of total

Week due

Essay

2000 word end of semester essay.

LO6

100

12

Reassessment requirements

Students who fail the module must submit an essay of 2000 words for reassessment in the Supplemental examination period. This essay is weighted at 100% for resubmission.  All supplemental assessments must be resubmitted during the college supplemental examination period.

Student inputs

According to TEP (Trinity Education Project), 10 ECTS modules represent approximately 200-250 hours of student input. For this module, the minimum guidelines for student inputs are as follows:

• Class attendance and participation: 22 hours
• Time spent reviewing instructional material: 22 hours
• Time spent on further reading: 100 hours
• (Group) work on presentation topic: 28 hours
• Researching and writing the essay: 28 hours

TOTAL 200 hours

Recommended reading

•     Lister, R. (2021) Poverty 2nd edition. Cambridge: Polity.
•     Greve, B. (2020a) Poverty: The basics. London: Routledge.