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Academic Year 2003/2004
Economics of Welfare Reform
ECON 123 FA
When economists and policy makers work together to "fix" a problem, the results are frequently surprising to both. The economic history of welfare reform provides multiple examples of unexpected outcomes. This course
takes
an in-depth look at the economics of welfare reform. We investigate this issue with an eye toward understanding what has gone wrong in the past, what successes can be recorded, and how future efforts can be improved.
While
exploring these issues, the course also introduces concepts that are crucial to a wide range of applications in economic analysis. Topics include the following: The negative income tax experiments, categorical programs
vs. social insurance programs, fiscal federalism, family assistance plans, impacts on labor supply and demand, intergenerational transmission of poverty or welfare dependence, and the dynamics of poverty and welfare use.
MAJOR READINGS
Selections will be drawn from the following texts:
Hays, FLAT BROKE, WITH CHILDREN: WOMEN IN THE AGE OF WELFARE REFORM. (2003)
Schram, RACE AND THE POLITICS OF WELFARE REFORM. (2003)
Albelda, LOST GROUND:
WELFARE REFORM, POVERTY AND BEYOND.
(2002)
Smolensky, WELFARE REFORM: A PRIMER IN 12 QUESTIONS. (2001)
Holzer, EMPLOYERS AND WELFARE RECIPEINTS. (2001)
Bartik, JOBS FOR THE POOR (2001)
Card, FINDING JOBS: WORK AND WELFARE REFORM.
(1999)
Edin, MAKING MEET: HOW SINGLE MOTHERS
SURVIVE WELFARE AND LOW-WAGE WORK (1997)
Gordon, PITIED BY NOT ENTITLED: SINGLE MOTHERS AND THE HISTORY OF WELFARE, 1890-1935. (1994)
Weaver, LOOKING BEFORE WE LEAP: SOCIAL SCIENCE AND WELFARE REFORM.
(1995)
Aaron, POLITICS AND THE PROFESSORS: TH
E GREAT SOCIETY IN PERSPECTIVE. (1978)
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Several short papers (3-5 pages), participation in class discussions, and one term paper (15-20 pages).
COURSE FORMAT:
Seminar
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS ECON
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
NONE
SECTION 01
- Instructor(s): Rayack,Wendy
- Times: ..T.R.. 10:30AM-11:50AM; Location: PAC421
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 19)
- SR. major: X Jr. major: X
- SR. non-major: X Jr. non-major: X SO: X FR: 19
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning, Writing, Focused Inquiry Course
- FYI: First Year Initiative:Seminar
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-19-2004
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459