The first section of this course is largely normative. It discusses the following major issues: Can we justify (and how can we justify) collective efforts to alter the distribution of income that would be generated in a market with "classical" property and contract entitlements? Are collective redistributive mechanisms a moral imperative or are transfer programs simply designed to overcome market failures that would occur if richer people tried to organize a private market in "charity"? When we think about taking steps to increase "equality," what should we try to equalize (and why) - income, welfare, the opportunity for welfare, capacities? Are we happier if we have more access to goods/income?
The course goes on to focus on existing institutions designed to alleviate income inequality, largely through cash transfers, looking at progressive taxation and even more at welfare and welfare reform.
Finally, the course investigates whether distributive policy out to attend to more than income shortfalls experienced by individuals. It discusses whether we should attend to the distribution of resources to groups (e.g., children, historically subordinated racial groups, women) as well as abstract individuals, and whether we should attend to the distribution of particular goods (e.g., housing, medical care, "social inclusion") rather than income more generally. The course also discusses methods of redistribution other than tax-and-transfer that the legal system may employ (e.g., mandatory contract terms, price controls, regulations demanding costly accommodations).