Inequality in America

Causes and Consequences

Robert S. Rycroft, Kimberley Kinsley, Robert S. Rycroft, Kimberley Kinsley

• Publisher: ABC-CLIO
• Year: 2021
• Print ISBN:
  9781440865145
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9798216102410
• Topic: Economics
• Subtopic: Economic Conditions
• Index: Economics

This authoritative reference work explores the factors driving the much-debated increase in economic inequality in U.S. society, as well as the impact that this divide is having on U.S. culture, politics, families, communities, and institutions.

This reference work provides an authoritative and comprehensive resource for both students and scholars who are interested in learning more about the rich-poor divide in the United States-a divide regarded by many lawmakers, researchers, pundits, and concerned citizens as one of the nation's most serious problems. The book provides important historical background for understanding how the nation has grappled with (or ignored) this issue in the past, examines specific causes of inequality identified by observers across the political spectrum, and summarizes the potential consequences (both present and future) of economic inequality.

This book examines more than 25 issues frequently cited as factors contributing to the rapidly widening gap between socioeconomic classes in the U.S., ranging from such demographic factors as race and gender to tax code provisions and differences in access to quality education and health care. The book also provides both a retrospective and prospective look at government policies aimed at addressing inequality or assisting the poor. Finally, the book looks ahead to survey the future of inequality in America.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Preface
• Introduction
• The History of Inequality in America
• Section I: Economic Inequality
• Section II: Educational Services
• Section III: Health and Health Care
• Section IV: Housing and Communities
• Section V: Family Life and Inequality
• Section VI: Environment
• Section VII: Justice System
• Section VIII: Consumer Issues
• Section IX: Public Policy
• Section X: The Future of Inequality
• Editors and Contributors
• Index