Updated March 22, 2011 09:53 AMRising Wealth Inequality: Should We Care? NY Times
Introduction
Yarek Waszul Many studies have shown that income inequality is rising. In several different types of communities, median family income is lower now than 30 years ago. Yet an intriguing survey by Michael Norton and Dan Ariely found that Americans believe wealth distribution to be far more equal than it actually is and, if given a choice, they would select an even more equitable scenario.
Why do Americans seem relatively unperturbed about growing income inequality? Is it a lack of awareness, or are there other factors?
Most people in America today probably believe that wealth distribution is equal because they are surrounded by people in the same salary category. Meaning they are exposed to individuals that can afford the same housing, cars, etc. I don’t believe we should worry about every American being equal wealth wise but I do believe we need to help the most stressed families. Families that no matter how hard they try are just unable to provide the proper housing, food, and education for their children. All children deserve a proper education so they can have the foundation to succeed. We need to focus on providing the necessary tools needed to poor families so that their children can have a fair chance for success. We can’t however, determine what success means to them. Some individuals feel the need to have a huge house while other are satisfied with a modest home. Some people may prefer to spend time with their family as opposed to working 80 hours a week to get ahead – Who is more successful, the corporate president or the dad that spends every evening with his children? Success cannot be measured by possessions or wealth. Being happy with one’s life isn’t simply about how much money you have, but about having enough of whatever is important to you in your life. I believe most Americans don’t see the vast divide in wealth because most Americans are happy with their lives.
ReplyDeleteMost Americans seem unperturbed about the growing income inequality greatly because of the lack of awareness. People get caught up in their own lives and the lives of those around them and do not focus on surrounding social groups. If individuals do not even focus on differing social classes then the changes in wealth distribution will be even harder to notice. People just known what they know and the majority of individuals solely know financial situations of those surrounding them, who are usually in the same social class. Another factor, which can be related back to awareness is education. The better the education, the better the awareness. The more that individuals know about differing social classes, the more well rounded they will be and the major gap in social class would fade.
ReplyDeleteIt is not surprising that Americans are unaware of the true income gap and the fact that their income has been decreasing. Americans are too focused on their ideal society and fail to see the reality of class division. They believe that their ideal is reality and this belief is spread by the media. another reason for this complete unawareness is the fact that Americans are very individualistic. Any dip in an individuals income is attributed to that individuals lack of work effectiveness and not to a nation wide societal structure.
ReplyDeleteAmericans are self centered, unaware of the struggles others face. They focus on their own lives instead of worrying about the needs of others. Americans are ignorant of the income inequality because of their own pride. The less wealthy try to hide their status so they are not looked down upon in society. The affluent people do not assist the less fortunate because they are unaware of the problems. Members of the poorer class make many sacrifices to be accepted by higher social classes. If the upper class was informed about the life of the lower class, they would probably be more willing to help get rid of the huge gap.
ReplyDeleteMost individuals, not just Americans, tend to stick to their social strata. Their friends are part of the same socioeconomic level, and they rarely interact with individuals in other classes or go to locations frequented by those people. For this reason, inequities in wealth distribution are not noticed by many. Also, in American society, it is not polite or socially acceptable to discuss pay or an individual's financial status public ally, therefore it would be difficult for individuals to discover that there are inequities in pay and benefits among workers and individuals.
ReplyDeleteMost people tend to stick to their own social categories. This poses a problem when they do not realize what problems other face financially. Americans are too focused on the ideal society or how everyone sees America. The lesser wealthy individuals do hide their status but with good reason. I do not think that the wealthy class would help the lower if they were more aware but society does change by the day.
ReplyDeleteMost Americans don't take the time to stand back and observe the world sociologically, they just focus on their own reality around them and in turn, just focusing on their own social class. For this reason, it is not a lack of awareness. Though the media, Americans are informed of the economic and income percentage highs and lows.
ReplyDelete-Madison
Of course Americans are blinded by the economic social gab. Americans are too caught up in their own lives and individual status to recognize social stratification in America today. I agree with madison when she says most of Americans learn this awareness through the media. If more Americans took the time out of their day to be aware of this than the society will help this stratification.
ReplyDeleteAmericans do not observe the wealth imbalance or anything wrong until something goes wrong or they are personally affected by pay cuts and fur lows. If the media brings it to their attention then Americans will feel obliged to do something because then they notice how fortunate they are. It is not until somethings goes horribly wrong when Americans decide to step up and prove what they stand for but quite frankly we cant even do that. A high percentage in America live in poverty but there is no recognizance for these people.
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