It’s a special moment in U.S. history in which income inequality has reached unprecedented levels, poverty remains extreme, and racial and gender inequalities are intransigent.

Why is there so much inequality and poverty? How might they be reduced? Find out from the country’s top scholars in “America’s course” on poverty and inequality.

So what makes this course different?

• Comprehensive: Features the 40 key research results that underlie our country’s policy and its new science of poverty and inequality.
• Up-to-date: Highlights the most recent findings and results on poverty and inequality.
• Scholar-direct delivery: The country’s leading scholars present their own research.
• Quick: Each video is short (approximately 5 minutes) and jargon-free.
• Modular: The course is divided into 8 standalone modules.
• Easy to follow: Each module is introduced and explained by David B. Grusky, the director of the Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality, and Lindsay Owens, Stanford University Ph.D. and Economic Policy Advisor in the office of Senator Elizabeth Warren.
• Excellent readings: Each video is paired with readings that elaborate the videos.
• Accessible: It's free, open to the public, and without any prerequisites.

Course Credits

America's Poverty and Inequality Course was developed by the Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality; videos were produced by Ashley Tindell of Film Archer. We gratefully acknowledge the help of our funders: the American Sociological Association, the Stanford University Institute for Research in the Social Sciences, the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation), and the Elfenworks Foundation. We would also like to thank Marion Coddou for her work in helping to develop the course.