The Great Divide is a GlobalPost collection of stories, graphics and videos that explores the nature, causes, and consequences of growing economic inequality. Although primarily centered on the U.S., it also addresses inequality in diverse locations, including cities in the UK, Brazil, Nigeria, India, Thailand, and Russia. A central feature is a map that allow you to compare cities in the US with cities in other (usually poor) countries that have the same GINI index number. There are then stories about the two cities so contrasts can be made.
Type of Material:
Interactive map, videos, articles, blog.
Recommended Uses:
Can be used as exemplars in an introductory sociology class to teach about inequality.
Technical Requirements:
None.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The main goal is understanding how much inequality is increasing in the US and comparing the US with other countries with similar levels of inequality.
Target Student Population:
Undergraduates and others interested in the topic. Aimed at a general population.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Interactive nature of map. Stories about various comparative places. Good videos and articles. Layout is attractive and the image quality is good.
Concerns:
There are few citations or references. Much of the material is time sensitive and bound to be soon out of date; probably needs a great deal of up-keep. Very US centered.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Good for undergraduates in that it demonstrates that issues in the US are not so different than issues around the world.
Concerns:
Doesn't explicitly set any learning objectives. It's primarily a series of vignettes.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Very easy to use both as an interactive display and as a resource for articles about inequality around the world.
Concerns:
Some links are dead and the page is about to move.
Creative Commons:
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