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The Open University

Understanding economic inequality

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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This free course, Understanding economic inequality, explores the causes of economic inequality in modern times and its consequences for success for the economy. The course will encourage you to reflect on your personal experiences of inequality before looking at how the issue is approached in economics. You will study some of the different dimensions of economic inequality, and learn about the main debates on its role in achieving economic success. You will also have the opportunity to put yourself in the shoes of a prime minister and explore what can be done to make economies less unequal.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Introducing inequality
  • 1 Introducing inequality
  • 2 Everyday inequality
  • 2 Everyday inequality
  • 3 Inequality in economics
  • 3 Inequality in economics
  • 3.1 Income for whom?
  • 3.2 Sources of income
  • 3.3 Measuring income inequality
  • 3.3.1 What would an equal distribution of income look like?
  • 3.4 Inequality between countries
  • 4 What makes us unequal?
  • 4 What makes us unequal?
  • 4.1 Differences between individuals or households
  • 4.2 Factors affecting the level and distribution of wages
  • 4.2.1 How income is shared between labour and capital
  • 5 Why inequality matters
  • 5 Why inequality matters
  • 5.1 Economic growth and inequality
  • 5.2 Inequality and economic success
  • 6 What can be done about income inequality?
  • 6 What can be done about income inequality?
  • 6.1 Redistribution of incomes through the taxation and benefit system
  • 6.2 Provision of goods such as education and healthcare
  • 6.3 The structure of original incomes
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

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Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

5 rating at OpenLearn based on 11 ratings

Start your review of Understanding economic inequality

  • Profile image for Enrique Enriquez
    Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
    17
    This free course from OpenLearn delivered precisely as described—clear structure, relevant content, and accurate duration. The material provided a comprehensive overview of income inequality, supported by well-designed activities and accessible data. The certificate of completion was available on demand, as promised, adding value for credential documentation. The course effectively balanced theoretical insight with practical examples, making it suitable for learners seeking both academic grounding and applied understanding. Overall, the experience was positive and professionally enriching, with reliable alignment between course description and actual delivery. Highly recommended for those exploring economic inequality in context.
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