Foundations of Unemployment, Poverty, and Social Policy

Understanding the complex relationship between unemployment and poverty is essential for anyone interested in economics, social justice, or public policymaking. This text-based course breaks down these critical economic challenges into clear, accessible concepts. You will gain a solid foundational understanding of how labor markets function, why unemployment occurs, and how poverty is defined and measured globally. By studying real-world policy responses, you will learn to critically evaluate the effectiveness of various social safety nets and modern poverty-reduction strategies. What you'll learn: - Define and calculate different types of unemployment, including frictional, structural, and cyclical. - Understand the multi-dimensional nature of poverty and how economists measure absolute versus relative poverty. - Analyze the impact of the modern gig economy and technological shifts on employment stability. - Evaluate public policy measures, from minimum wage laws to targeted social protection programmes. - Explore contemporary debates surrounding universal basic income and modern welfare systems. The course begins with foundational definitions of labor market metrics and poverty lines, before guiding you through historical and modern policy interventions. Through detailed written explanations and case studies, you will explore how societies address economic vulnerability. Designed entirely for beginners, this course requires no prior background in economics or sociology. Start reading today to build a strong foundation in social and economic policy.