Inequality

Describe the overall perspective provided on income distribution inequalities including the issues of poverty, racial inequality as well as the "class ceiling" problem.

Since the end of World War II the social and economic disparities in America have become more severe. Throughout the 1950s and into 1960s, there were tremendous amounts of growth. However, from the 1970s onward, these divisions began to adversely change. As the economy was dramatically growing, but there was no real increase in wages or income equality. This was occurring from an economic, racial and gender perspective. (Kolby, n.d.) (Page, 2009)

Evidence of the can be seen in the below tables (which are highlighting these disparities during this time).

Share of Net Worth between the Upper and Lower Class from 1962 to 1989

Class

1962

1989

Upper .05%

Lower 80%

These figures are showing how the upper class is seeing an increase in their net worth. While the lower classes; are realizing a decline in these numbers during this time. This has resulted in an increase in poverty levels with more people in the household working and reduced income. (Kolby, n.d.) (Page, 2009)

Income Levels for African-American and White Demographics

Segment

Amount

White

$22,761

Black

$17,121

These numbers are illustrating how white full time workers will earn more in contrast with African-Americans. This is despite that fact that there are supposed to be protections in place for addressing these challenges (such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964). (Kolby, n.d.) (Page, 2009)

Annual Income Levels for Men vs. Women

Demographic

Amount

Men

$39,303

Women

$26,284

These numbers are showing how women are receiving lower earnings in contrast with men. This is further highlighting the disparities that currently exist with a glass ceiling in place to prohibit their advancement. (Kolby, n.d.) (Page, 2009)

The above tables are demonstrating income inequalities that are occurring based on economic, racial and gender lines. This means that there are widening gaps of income distribution between the various groups. When this happens, there will be class ceilings in place (which are making it difficult for specific demographics to have upward economic mobility). This is the primary reason, why these disparities have become worse and will continue on this trend until some kind of change takes place. (Kolby, n.d.) (Page, 2009)

References

Kolby. (n.d.). Stagnation and Economic Inequality.

Page, B. (2009). Class War? Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.