11.006 | Fall 2016 | Undergraduate

Poverty and Economic Security

Course Description

This course explores the evolution of poverty and economic security in the United States, within a global context. It examines the impact of recent economic restructuring and globalization, and reviews the current debate about the fate of the middle class, sources of increasing inequality, and approaches to advancing …
This course explores the evolution of poverty and economic security in the United States, within a global context. It examines the impact of recent economic restructuring and globalization, and reviews the current debate about the fate of the middle class, sources of increasing inequality, and approaches to advancing economic opportunity and security. In this class, students will study the topic of poverty and economic security through the lens of the lived experience of Americans: individuals, families, and households; exploring the history, geography, and forces shaping the likelihood of being poor in America.
Learning Resource Types
Written Assignments
A deli window in Brooklyn with a sign that reads "We accept food stamps and EBT".
A deli in South Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Food stamps provide assistance to low income individuals and families in the United States. (Courtesy of Clementine Gallot on Flickr. CC BY.)