Foundations of Poverty and Economic Security

Poverty and economic insecurity affect billions globally, driving critical debates about resource allocation, social justice, and effective governance. This course provides the foundational knowledge necessary to engage with these complex issues thoughtfully. By the end of this course, you will possess a strong analytical framework for defining poverty, interpreting key economic metrics, and critically evaluating the policy tools designed to promote economic security and reduce inequality. What you'll learn: * Understand the core concepts of absolute versus relative poverty, and how economic security is defined within modern systems. * Learn to apply standard metrics, including Gini coefficients and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), used by international organizations. * Analyze the structural causes of persistent poverty, including the impact of labor market shifts like automation and the gig economy. * Practice evaluating major policy interventions such as social safety nets, conditional cash transfers, and basic income proposals. * Master the terminology and frameworks used to discuss inequality, wealth gaps, and intergenerational poverty cycles. We begin by establishing fundamental definitions and historical context, then proceed through quantitative methods for measuring poverty and inequality. The final sections focus on analyzing causal factors and dissecting policy effectiveness using real-world examples. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in economics, sociology, urban planning, or public policy. No prior knowledge of economic theory or statistics is required. Begin your study of economic security and poverty analysis today.