Share, Explore, Engage, Discover (SEED) Mini-course

This course will help students respond to the "Reduce Extreme Economic Inequality" Grand Challenge as they understand the complexities and nuances of economic inequality and its implications for children and families. This course will cover key elements in the history of economic inequality in the United States and basic definitions, as well as the disparities that exist in economic status by race, gender, and family structure. We will also explore policies that could reduce longstanding inequities. We will discuss basics of personal finance and how to engage clients in discussions about their economic circumstances. In uncovering the components of economic inequality and possible responses, we will explore disparities in child care, employment, income replacement, home ownership, and asset building. Students will learn about the latest statistics on income and wealth trends in the United States as well as how this country compares to other developed nations. The course will demonstrate how economic inequality underlies many of the social issues faced in our county. We will explore how racial income and wealth gaps are related to unequal access to economic opportunities born of current and past public policies and market behavior that discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, and gender identity. Students will also gain awareness of financial social work as an emerging field of practice, which includes interpersonal, community, and policy practice interventions for promoting household financial security.