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Strobel and Peterson offer a clear, accessible analysis of the worsening distribution of income and wealth in America. In addressing the decline of the middle class, the authors determine not only that the middle class has continued to shrink but that the majority of economic benefits have become concentrated into fewer and fewer hands. There is a close analysis of the linkage between economic and political power, as well as the increasing inability of the growing lower and shrinking middle classes to voice their economic views in Washington.The result is a uniquely American form of class conflict, which adds to our historic racial tension, and new clashes along gender and generational lines. Widening income disparities further split society. Single issue politics often emerge as a refuge for those voters unwilling or unable to deal with these complicated and seemingly insoluble issues.To prevent further class conflict in the coming quarter century, the authors outline strategic changes in policy, including a plan to strengthen social security. Anyone with an interest in current economic issues and problems will find this book helpful in understanding how the worsening income and wealth distribution came about, the consequences inherent in this situation, and suggestions for the future.
List of contents
Preface 1. From Middle Class to Underclass to Class War? 2. Money, Wall Street, and the New American Plutocracy 3. The Deliberate Path Toward a New American Class Structure 4. The Disenfranchised Middle Class 5. Class Warfare American Style 6. Some Solutions for Class Harmony 7. Summary, Observations, and a Prediction on the Problem
About the author
Paul E Peterson, Christoph Strobel
Summary
This text analyzes the worsening distribution of income and wealth in America. It determines that the middle class has declined and the majority of economic benefits have been concentrated into fewer hands. It also outlines strategic changes in economic policy to prevent further class conflict.
