Economics 397LG - ST-Economics of LGBT Issues

Fall
2018
01
3.00
M. Badgett
M W 4:00PM 5:15PM
UMass Amherst
73306
Machmer E - 23
lbadgett@econs.umass.edu
The economic, social, and legal position of LGBT people has changed very rapidly in the U.S. This course focuses on how policy change happened and whether and why LGBT people still face economic inequality. This course explores that position from the perspective of economics, politics, and policy, primarily in the U.S., but also in other regions of the world. Major questions addressed include: What was the role of the economy and political factors in shaping LGBT identities and social movements? What factors made the LGBT social movement successful? What are the remaining sources of legal inequality? What causes employment discrimination against LGBT people? Does the state of the economy affect anti-LGBT prejudice and political change? Are LGBT families different? Why and how? Do public policies reduce economic inequality for LGBT people? What kinds of economic inequalities do LGBT people still face? What has been the role of business in supporting LGBT equality? How do businesses gain from LGBT equality? How does economic development contribute to LGBT equality and vice versa in other parts of the world?
Open only to Econ/STPEC/Res-Econ primary majors until after juniors enroll, then open to all on April 9.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.