Comparative Economics of Child and Family Policy in Postindustrial Countries
ECON 314
Spring 2025
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01
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This course uses tools of economic analysis and measures of child well-being to make cross-country comparisons of policies and outcomes. Children rank high on the list of a country's most valuable resources. Yet equally rich nations differ dramatically in funding investments for children and providing support for the people who raise them. These differences in investment persist despite a growing body of research that shows costly negative consequences for early child development of both absolute and relative deprivation. With these observations in mind, this course investigates the following questions: Why do equally wealthy nations differ so profoundly when evaluated by these fundamental indicators of economic success? What factors and policies explain the differences? What are the economic consequences? How might the research on international comparisons inform the construction of more successful child and family policy? |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS ECON |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: (ECON300 AND ECON301) OR (ECON300 AND ECON302) |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (ECON-MN)(ECON) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 90% or above |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Selections from:
Smeeding, POOR KIDS IN A RICH COUNTRY and THE FUTURE OF THE FAMILY
Karoly, INVESTING IN OUR CHILDREN and EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTIONS
Bartik, INVESTING IN KIDS: EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Zuberi, DIFFERENCES THAT MATTER
Waldfogel, BRITAIN'S WAR ON POVERTY
Folbre, WHO PAYS FOR THE KIDS? GENDER AND THE STRUCTURES OF CONSTRAINT
Various Peer-Reviewed Articles from Professional Economics Journals
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Examinations and Assignments:
Three short reviews (1-2 pages) of assigned articles
One classroom presentation on the research topic selected by the student
A final research paper (15-20 pages)
Readings are drawn from professional economics journals. Selections are guided partly by student interests. On a weekly basis, students evaluate competing research methodologies and share information from independent readings. Each student designs an independent research project, writes a final research paper and summarizes this research in a presentation to the class. Topics in prior semesters have included infant mortality, juvenile justice systems, divorce and the proximity of fathers, effects of school segregation, incentives for adoption and foster care, parental leave and child allowances. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Considerable independence and initiative are required on the part of each student. The seminar format requires consistent attendance and active participation in class discussions. |
| Instructor(s): Rayack,Wendy Times: ...W... 01:20PM-04:10PM; Location: SCIE113; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 23 | | SR major: 12 | JR major: 11 | | |
| Seats Available: 9 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 0 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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