Social Inequalities - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages... The three readings are “Why Inequality is the Real Cause of Our Ongoing Terrible Economy” by Reich (2011), “Shadowy Lines that Still Divide” by Scott and Leonhardt (2005), and “Inequality: Causes and Consequences” by Neckerman and Torche (2007). The reading “Why Inequality is the Real Cause of Our Ongoing Terrible Economy” by Reich (2011) indicates that there is rampant inequality in the country, with 5% of Americans with the highest incomes making about 37% of all consumer purchases. This inequality sinks the economy of the US, and the situation may worsen if the government does not reverse it. The author argues that this is possible only by reviving the purchasing power of the majority, which is the middle class, in America (Reich, 2005). On the other hand, the reading “Shadowy Lines that Still Divide” by Scott and Leonhardt indicates that unlike in the past, America is in the right direction of curbing social class inequality. The authors claim it is hard to identify Americans with their clothing, religion, color, and political participation due to social diversity in America. They, however, indicate that the power of class is still strong in America and Americans might finally end up in their birth classes (Scott & Leonhardt, 2005). Finally, the reading “Inequality: Causes and Consequences” by Neckerman and Torche indicates that levels of inequality are still high in America despite the decrease in its growth rate. The authors observe that this has led to economic inequality and social and political consequences (Neckerman & Torche, 2007). In this paper, I will be comparing and contrasting the different perspectives the readings offer about the social class inequality. In the reading “Why Inequality is the Real Cause of Our Ongoing Terrible Economy” by Reich (2011), the author states that the recent statistics show that few rich people in America dominate the market, which proves the existence of inequality in the country. He argues that the middle class, which largely controls the economy, has no purchasing power since there is inequality in the distribution of resources. To overcome this inequality and boost the economy, he suggests that the government should revive the middle class and reduce the level of inequality. He notes that a situation in which the middle class acquires the ability to purchase more goods and services would foster the economy. He equally draws our attention to the fact that the inequality in allocation of wealth, when few people had more resources, led to the America’s Great Regression (Reich, 2005). Furthermore the reading “Shadowy Lines that Still Divide” by Scott and Leonhardt recognizes the fact that initially the Americans thought they understood the issue of classes and some think that America is seemingly heading towards classlessness. Indeed, the authors state that while some Americans feel the weight of inequality, others do not feel its existence. They note that social diversity makes it hard for Americans to recognize inequalities in form of color, wealth, religion, or even political participation. They, however, realize that inequality is still rampant in America and affects health, economy, and education. According to statistics, the possibility of people moving down the economic ladder to reduce inequality is very low. Nevertheless, they think it is easier for the rich than for the middle class to move up the economic ladde ...Download file to see next pagesRead More