15.3: Discussion- Wealth and Income Inequality

Last updated
Save as PDF

Page ID: 48511

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

Respond to the following prompt in a post with a minimum of 150 words. Then comment on at least TWO other posts.

In recent decades, economic inequality (both income inequality and wealth inequality) has become a prominent topic in American politics. How would you define income inequality? How is income inequality measured? What has happened to income inequality in the United States since the end of the Second World War in 1945? What evidence can you provide to support your answer? What are the reasons for the changes in income inequality since 1945.

What is wealth inequality and how does it differ from income inequality? Is wealth more or less equally distributed than income? Why do you suppose that is? What has happened to wealth inequality in the U.S. in recent years? What accounts for those changes?

Do you think the trend in economic inequality is a problem? Why or why not?

Suggestion: Visit the Web site for the documentary film Inequality for All. The site enables you to rent or purchase the film, if you choose. Or you can click on “Graphics Package” to download a free copy of informative graphics from the film. Take a look at those. Summarize what you learn, and share your thoughts.

Discussion: Income Distribution. Authored by: Jennifer Pakula and Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution