This book provides a one-stop resource for understanding the full dimensions of income inequality in the United States, including chief socioeconomic drivers of inequality and proposals to reduce the widening gap between rich and poor in America.
Carefully researched and scrupulously nonpartisan, this resource examines the history and current state of income inequality in the United States, with a particular focus on key issues, events, and political/economic philosophies relevant to the enduring divide between rich and poor in America. One of the most valuable aspects of the book is that it surveys the complex history of income inequality in an easy-to-understand fashion that helps readers identify and assess the ways in which income inequality shapes many aspects of modern American society. The book is even-handed in its treatment of the academic and policy debates over the causes, consequences, and appropriate response to today's growing inequality.
In addition, this resource provides insights into the financial underpinnings of debt and wealth and capitalism and how all of those factors perpetuate themselves. It also examines problems and challenges related to child care, education, transportation, housing, and saving for retirement that hamper so many poor people in their efforts to lift their households out of poverty.
Preface 1. Background and History Introduction Defining and Measuring Income Inequality —Inequality of What? —Inequality among Whom? —Measuring Inequality —Inequality and Poverty —Data Sources —Economics and Inequality The History of Income Inequality in the United States —1607–1790: The Young Nation and the Hope of Equality —1790–1860: Growing Divisions —1860–1910: Emancipation, Industrialization and the Gilded Age —1910–1970: The Great Leveling —1970–2020: The Return of Inequality —2020 and Beyond: Pandemic, Racial Reckoning, and Inequality Conclusion References 2. Problems, Controversies, and Solutions Why Is Some Income Inequality to Be Expected? Inequality of Earned Income Inequality of Unearned Income The Equalizing Effects of Transfer Income and Taxes Why Has the Distribution of Income Become More Unequal Over Time? Why Is “Too Much” Inequality a Social Problem? What Are Some Potential Solutions to Income Inequality? Conclusion References 3. Perspectives Promoting Early Childhood Education to Address Inequality and Opportunity, Alison Baulos Michael Tubbs and Universal Basic Income, Robert S. Rycroft The Answer to America’s Ineffective Welfare System? A Universal Basic Income, Leah Hamilton An Immigrant’s Story, Robert S. Rycroft Kim Thomas and the Fight for $15, Robert S. Rycroft Income Inequality and the Future of Democracy, Richard Lachmann Medicare-for-All, Robert S. Rycroft Globalization and Regional Economic Inequality in the United States, Meenakshi Rishi and Ryan Cowles The Gig Economy, Robert S. Rycroft Monopoly and Inequality in the United States, Steven M. Suranovic Health in the United States: Two Different Ballgames, Erin Vernon and M. Courtney Hughes “Ban the Box,” Robert S. Rycroft Comprehensive Paid Family Leave Will Combat Inequality, Marilyn Watkins Brian Weber v. “Reverse Discrimination,” Robert S. Rycroft Higher Education and the Shrinking American Middle Class, Art C. Baird and Jill C. Yoshikawa School Vouchers, Robert S. Rycroft Arguing Over the One Percent, Robert S. Rycroft 4. Profiles Individuals —Claudia Goldin (1946–) —N. Gregory Mankiw (1958–) —Mollie Orshansky (1915–2016) —Thomas Piketty (1971–) —Pope Francis (1936–) —Paul Ryan (1970–) —Bernie Sanders (1941–) —Elizabeth Warren (1949–) —Andrew Yang (1975–) Organizations —Black Lives Matter —Citizens for Tax Justice —Economic Policy Institute —Equal Employment Opportunity Commission —Federal Reserve System —Fight for $15 —Heritage Foundation —Institute for Women’s Policy Research —Occupy Wall Street —Washington Center for Equitable Growth 5. Data and Documents Data —Tracking Income Inequality in the United States —Income and Wealth Inequality in the Long Run —Poverty —Social Mobility —Earnings Differences by Race/Ethnicity and Gender —Racial Wealth Gap —Income Inequality by Gender Documents —Civil Rights Act of 1964 —Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) —Social Mobility and the Great Gatsby Curve 6. Resources Books Articles and Reports Nonprint Sources 7. Chronology Glossary Index
Stacey M. Jones is a senior instructor in the department of economics of the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University, USA. Robert S. Rycroft is professor of economics at the University of Mary Washington, USA.
Reviews for Income Inequality in America: A Reference Handbook
Discusses perspectives on income inequality from important economists, lawmakers, activists, and reformers from a diverse range of political, cultural, and economic backgrounds
