Economics: Society, Markets, and [In]equality

Parsons School of Design examines economic systems through history, social outcomes and questions about power. Markets and private incentives lead into work, globalization and possibilities for a thriving society. This is a broad interpretive course, suited to learners who want to compare economic worldviews alongside more mathematical or business-focused options.

What you will learn

• Discuss economic ideas in historical context.
• Relate labor power and market structures to inequality.
• Examine benefits and drawbacks of globalization.

Who this suits

Beginners from varied ages and backgrounds seeking a framework for thinking about economic questions, as described by the provider.

Before you enroll

Compare the model with the question it is meant to answer. Use fictional or historical examples for practice and identify assumptions that could change the interpretation of the result.

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Put it into practice

Choose one historical globalization example. Describe two groups affected differently and explain which economic mechanisms could account for the difference.

Source and review

This overview is based on the provider's published information, checked on 12 October 2026. It is an editorial assessment, not a claim that we completed the resource. Time filters are approximate study ranges; projects and exercises can take longer.

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