American Inequality: Institutions, Economics, and Policy History

Modern debates about wealth gaps, wages, and social mobility are deeply rooted in historical institutional choices. To understand today's economic landscape, we must first analyze the past. This course provides a foundational understanding of the major shifts in American economic inequality from the Progressive Era through the late 20th century, focusing on the critical role played by key institutions like labor unions, educational systems, and fiscal policy. What you'll learn: * Understand the key metrics used by economists to measure income and wealth distribution across different historical periods. * Analyze the impact of major institutional changes, such as New Deal policies and post-war labor agreements, on economic equality. * Examine the historical role of urban studies, housing policy, and educational access in creating or mitigating economic disparities. * Practice interpreting historical economic data and applying analytical frameworks to specific case studies of institutional change. * Connect 20th-century institutional legacies to current debates on income mobility and wealth concentration. We begin by establishing core concepts and measurement methods, then proceed chronologically through critical periods, analyzing the interplay between economic forces and institutional responses. The course concludes by linking these historical trends to contemporary policy challenges. This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in economics, history, public policy, or sociology. No prior knowledge of advanced statistics or economic theory is required. Start reading now to gain a deeper, evidence-based perspective on American economic history.