This article talks about how the latest statistics show that
inequality is getting worse in America. The wages of men in the top 5% of
income distribution grew by 15% over the past 8 years, while the wages of men
in the bottom 70% did not grow at all during that time according to the Economic
Policy Institute. This difference of wage growth was prevalent among women
during this 8 year time frame. The study also showed that the wages of whites at
the top of the income scale have grown more than the wages of blacks at the top
of the income scale. The author of the article noted that the biggest wage
difference is between those with a college degree and those without one.
The author of this article makes a great point of connecting
this wage gap problem to the anger of the American people. These large numbers
of American citizens who are angry about workers wages are voicing their frustration
by supporting the two anti-establishment presidential candidates, Donald Trump
and Bernie Sanders. "It's no surprise that typical workers are frustrated
with the economy since wage growth has been slow for so long," said Elise
Gould, senior economist at EPI and author of the report.
This study along with this article speaks to why there is such
enthusiasm among Sanders and Trump supporters, as both candidates have been
speaking to voters who are fed up with the system and are looking for an ‘outsider’
candidate.
http://money.cnn.com/2016/03/11/news/economy/rich-men-wages-grow/index.html?iid=SF_LN
This article is very enlightening. This seems to me to be a dissolve of the American middle class. It also makes perfect sense why Trump and Bernie have been seeing a rise in support. that being said is which policy do you think would quell this problem most effectively.
ReplyDeleteI can see why Trump and Sanders would garner support from a subject that sits deep with the American people. On a issue like this you cannot overall an entire system over night. Really the best approach will probably be debated amongst presidential candidates more as we get closer to November and it'll be interesting to see where Trump and most likely Clinton stand on this issue.
ReplyDeleteI think that the concept of this wage gap will give Bernie Sanders more support than Trump will receive. I think outside of just the election, it will be interesting to see if the next president will be able to actually gain congress' support and make changes that will shrink this wage gap within the next 4+ years.
ReplyDeleteI agree with john when he says that the middle class is dissolving. it makes it seem like people are either in the upper class or the lower class. I am interested in seeing what Hillarys plan for this situation is.
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