This course uses data from the United States Censuses of 1960-1990 and a number of other sources to analyze the major economic and social changes of the last 30 years. Trends in income, income inequality, labor force participation, and educational attainment are examined. The changing role of women in the economy is discussed. Recent trends in marriage, divorce, remarriage, and childbearing are examined, as well as the effect that these changes have had on the American family and on the living arrangements and welfare of children. The economic and social impact of the growth of the elderly is discussed, and the racial and ethnic makeup of the population is investigated to see changes over the last three decades.
Classes are a mixture of lecture and discussion.
Students also have the opportunity to use data from the last two censuses to investigate other issues of particular interest to them. This course surveys the major demographic-economic linkages. Population growth and economic development are examined. Theoretical developments and empirical evidence are given on each topic. The emphasis of the course is on life-cycle changes and cohort differences.