Methodology

Income Inequality The rich get richer as real wages for the median American workers fail to

rise since the 1970s

2014 saw the top 10% of income earners take home almost 50% of the total income, which reflects a 52% increase from 1970

This meant that top and middle earners took home 90% of the total income, leaving only 10% to be shared amongst the bottom 50% of income earners.

Most of the increase in the top 10 percent’s share of total yearly income came from the bottom half of the income distribution

The number of Americans living in poverty increased by 15% between 2000 and 2006 in a trend that shows widening income inequality. In 2012, the income of the 1% was 22.83%, reflective of the widest income inequality since the 1920s depression.

Who says this is a problem? Some conservatives think that inequality is a natural part of free markets and is, hence, not a problem. In an economy where innovation and hard work are rewarded, fixing inequality might just discourage the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.

But why solve Income Inequality?

 Shared prosperity will be boosted, giving all classes equal access to quality amenities such as health and educations opportunities.

 Benefits of globalization and technological advancement will be reaped by all.

 A healthy democracy shall be promoted, seeing as how extreme inequality can only trigger political turmoil where the majority poor rises against the minority rich.

 To avoid the rise of populism.  To accelerate economic growth: Reduced

spending on welfare means increased spending on development and education.