American Society and Public Policy Fall 2014 First Meeting September 3, 2014

Themes Domestic, not foreign policy Society—economic, civic, social changes Policy—broad questions of social provision, social membership and opportunity. – Work and family – Immigration – Higher education

Inequality in America What are the major kinds of inequality in the U.S.? What is the median household income in the U.S.? – $51,324

Defining the 1% How much do you need to make in a year to be in the top 1% of the income distribution? How much do you need to make to be in the top of the income distribution? (Household Income) – Top 1% $394,00 in 2012 – Top 5% $161,000 in 2012 – Top 10% $114,000 in 2012

Questions We Will Ask About Inequality How do we measure inequality? What causes inequality? What institutions support or challenge inequality? What are the consequences of inequality? What role does policy play in various kinds of inequality? – Inequality as an independent and dependent variable.

Plan for the Course