perceptions on economic inequality in America

Paper instructions:
Assignment #1
Length: 5-10 pages, double-spaced 12 pt font.
Due date: Sept 24. Hard copy (hand in, and submit electronic copy via Oncourse).

The purpose of this combination research paper/essay is to look carefully at how the heightened levels of economic inequality we have identified in class play out in citizen thinking. The grade will be based on the analysis of the issue of inequality you provide, the organization of your ideas, and quality of writing. That is, I care about insights into the central topic of our discussions and the success with which you communicate those ideas.

How we think: How do people reconcile inequality, especially massive redistribution (toward the upper middle class and the wealthy that has increased in recent decades) with the professed goals of political equality and equality of opportunity that are basic to the American political creed?
The objective here is not to change anybody€â€žÂ¢s mind, but to determine and describe the role of inequality in people€â€žÂ¢s thinking. What is the level of awareness among family and friends about the state of economic inequality in America? (The Page and Jacobs reading should be helpful here; draw on their approach if you find it useful.) How do people explain the levels of inequality? What do they think accounts for the huge differences in wealth and income in the U.S.? Is this okay, or is it something government should do something about? What, or why not? What pictures do people have in their heads that makes sense of the levels of economic inequality we have been discussing?

Interview at least three people on the subject including one family member, hopefully getting a range of viewpoints/ideologies. Take notes and describe how they see inequality and its €À¦Ã¢‚¬Å“fit€ with the goals of American democracy. Feel free to narrow or expand the set of questions in any way that allows you to write your best, most insightful and most interesting essay. Be sure to provide enough information about your respondents so the reader can get a good understanding of how they see the connection between inequality and politics.