Politics

Democracy and Inequality

Module code: L2099
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop, Seminar
Assessment modes: Dissertation

Over the last couple of decades, income inequality has increased in almost all developed democracies. This gap between the rich and the poor has widened even further since the onset of the financial crisis, while the gains of the very rich – particularly in the United States but also several other developed countries – have led some commentators to characterise the current situation as the 'hollowing out' of the middle class.

This module examines the origins of income inequality and the consequences of the increasing inequality for the quality of democracy. We start with a review of trends in income inequality across countries and over time, and consider the normative foundations underpinning the study of inequality. We then move to examine the institutional and political foundations of income inequality focusing on how electoral systems, parties, corporatism and economic institutions shape redistribution and inequality.

The final part of the module concentrates on the political effects of inequality. It considers how inequality shapes democratic politics by influencing political polarisation, democratic representation and participation in elections.

Module learning outcomes

• Identify a topic suitable for research relating to the link between inequality and democracy based on a critical understanding of the relevant literature
• Plan and carry out a research project using ideas and techniques from Politics related to the link between inequality and democracy with a clear line of argument and solid empirical support
• Locate and evaluate a range of sources suitable for a topic on inequality and democracy
• Make use of constructive feedback on the development of their ideas in the implementation of a research topic related to the link between inequality and democracy