The Psychology of Inequality: From Poverty to Power (C8898)
15 credits, Level 6
Spring teaching
Economic inequality is at historically high levels and is a pressing social, economic, political and moral issue in many societies. In this module, we will discuss the psychology of inequality.
The module begins by focusing on the consequences of the overall level of economic inequality within a society; first placing the current level in historical context and then discussing its consequences for health and well-being.
We then shift to focusing on the consequences of occupying a specific position within an unequal society by discussing the psychological consequences of social class, education, poverty, wealth and power.
We then discuss the consequences of inequality for groups, including the stereotypes associated with high or low status groups, the psychological processes associated with gender inequality, and the strategies low-status groups use to cope with their position.
Finally, we discuss interventions that have been designed to reduce the negative consequences of inequality.