Why do you think the ideal distribution of wealth

Reference no: EM133291220

Video - "Income Inequality in America"

Posted in 2012, this video graphically portraying wealth inequality in America went viral and was viewed over 17 million times. Using simple line graphs, it contrasts what Americans believe income inequality looks like and what they ideally would like it to be with the actual distribution of wealth in the United States. Despite a misunderstanding of wealth distribution under socialism, the video does a nice job of graphically representing a complex concept. As Americans generally accept unequal outcomes, their ideal distribution of wealth would give the wealthiest individuals about 10-20 times more than the poorest individuals and the poor would have sufficient resources to remain largely above the poverty line. The reality, however, is quite different.

Question 1. Why do you think the perceived distribution of wealth in America is so different from the actual distribution of wealth?

Question 2. Why do you think the ideal distribution of wealth looks like it does? What does it say about how Americans value equality of outcome relative to equality of opportunity?

Question 3. How might the actual levels of wealth inequality depicted in the video influence efforts to achieve equality of opportunity?

Question 4. What trade-offs might be necessary if Americans sought to bring actual levels of wealth inequality in line with desired levels? Specifically, what would be the ramifications for liberty?

Question 5. Speculate on the amount of political power held by the wealthiest one percent if power can be understood in terms of holding resources.

Reference no: EM133291220

Questions Cloud

Explain the importance of the line item veto to the power : Explain how the powers of the Texas governor are restricted by both the state constitution and its legislature

Difference between a civil and criminal case : What situation was involved in the civil case? What type of court was the case set in and What is the difference between a civil and criminal case

What is the constitutional authority of congress : What is the constitutional authority of congress to take action against gun violence and other gun misuse attacks/crimes

What do you think the fourteenth amendment : What do you think the Fourteenth Amendment's citizenship provision means? Should we continue our longstanding policy that anyone born in the territory

Why do you think the ideal distribution of wealth : Why do you think the ideal distribution of wealth looks like it does? What does it say about how Americans value equality of outcome relative to equality

Would prevent her from suing dalma for negligence : Advise Sonya whether the contractual terms would prevent her from suing Dalma for negligence. (Note: Please assume Dalma was negligent).

Internal control and sarbanes-oxley act : Conduct an Internet search for information on internal control and Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Who might benefit as a free rider : who specifically, or generally, or whoever at all. Plus we can add-- who might benefit as a free rider from some of these groups we find

How an understanding of key cross-cultural issues : Explain how an understanding of key cross-cultural issues is important in providing employee motivation and leadership.

User Account

All Pages