Economics 338 - Seminar: Household Finance and Inequality
SEM: HOUSEHOLD FIN/INEQUALITY
Spring
2021
01
4.00
Argyris Tsiaras
MW 10:55-12:10
Smith College
30690-S21
atsiaras@smith.edu
How do individual economic decisions shape wealth inequality and economic mobility? This course
examines topics at the intersection of household finance, the field of economics studying the financial decisions of households, and the economics of inequality. Beginning with an overview of the historical dynamics and theories of wealth inequality, we study recent empirical and theoretical findings on how household preferences and beliefs, financial portfolio investment mistakes, financing frictions, entrepreneurship, and taxes affect the distribution of wealth. Prerequisites: ECO 220 and ECO 250.
examines topics at the intersection of household finance, the field of economics studying the financial decisions of households, and the economics of inequality. Beginning with an overview of the historical dynamics and theories of wealth inequality, we study recent empirical and theoretical findings on how household preferences and beliefs, financial portfolio investment mistakes, financing frictions, entrepreneurship, and taxes affect the distribution of wealth. Prerequisites: ECO 220 and ECO 250.
Instructor Permission Req. Not open to first-years, sophomores