Abstract This paper discusses the increasing inequality in the distribution of income in the United States. According to the writer, this subject has been a subject of considerable public concern, political attention, and academic research. Income inequality is a measure of how equally the income pie is divided among all members of society. The paper details ways to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor in the U.S.A through radical changes with minimum wages, taxation methods and welfare programs.
Outline:
Summary Introduction
Unequal IncomeDistribution in USA
Conclusion
From the Paper "In recent years, increasing inequality in the distribution of income has been a subject of considerable public concern, political attention, and academic research. Income inequality is a measure of how equally the income pie is divided among all members of society. The relative income, or gauge, can be defined how well the poor are doing economically compared to the rich. In other words inequality is a measure of how equally the income pie is divided among all members of society. "
Abstract This paper looks at a number of economic indicators in order to compare the growth and incomedistribution of Nigeria since the 1960s with that of the United States for the same time period.
From the Paper "Between fiscal year (FY) 1959 and 1967, GDP grew by 6.0 percent annually. According to statistics, GDP shrank at an annual rate of 1.1 percent between FY 1967 and FY 1970. However, this does not take into account political upheavals such as the secession of the Eastern Region in 1968 or the war that ended in 1970. It is thus highly likely that the decline in net domestic production is understated in the statistics, since annual measures of GDP do not reflect wartime capital destruction."
Abstract The paper discusses the national and international factors, social factors and micro and macroeconomic forces that affect income inequality in the United States. The paper explains the various indices that are used to calculate incomedistribution and concludes that all statistical observations and analyses point out that American incomes are extremely unevenly distributed.
Outline:
Abstract
Forces That Influence Income Inequality
Income Inequality Metrics
Conclusions
From the Paper "The United States economy is the second largest on the globe, seconded only by the European Union. Praised for numerous achievements, the current economic background is lacking in several areas. Two severe criticisms stand out: a tremendous national debt of the Bush administration spent on national security and the continuous income inequality. Income inequality is a long debated force which still stirs waters. Disclaimers state that income inequality generates mass dissatisfactions and social problems; whereas advocates state that income inequality is itself the force that differentiates and motivates the working class."
Abstract This paper examines the distribution of wealth in Canada West (Ontario) over the last half of the nineteenth century. It examines income, incomedistribution, and equality. Evidence indicates that inequality increased throughout the period. A significant section is also dedicated to the question of women, income and wealth, concluding that they were one of the poorest segments of the population, particularly widow. 15 pgs. Bibliography lists 14 sources.
Tags: CANADIAN STUDIES AND ISSUES / GENDER, RACE, CLASS, income equality canada
Abstract Examines taxation theory, policies, and objectives, including incomedistribution. Discusses different segments comprising an economy and the social activist context of incomedistribution. Focuses on wealthy-poor matrix and direct effects.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationships between taxation and income distribution. There exist strong interrelationships among taxation theories, models of taxation, and taxation ..."
Abstract This paper examines how the need for better enforcement of child support laws is evident through a survey that showed that fewer than one-fifth of inner-city children born to single teenage mothers receive child support from their fathers and often do not receive anything. It evaluates how the Child Support Distribution Act proposes a number of provisions that are beneficial to low-income children, families and non-custodial fathers. It examines how provisions promoting responsible fatherhood will help poorly-employed and unskilled fathers improve their ability to provide for their children and how important changes would also redirect child support to prioritize mothers and children over any state reimbursement. It looks at how Child Support Distribution Act was passed and referred to the Senate but has yet to be debated on the Senate floor.
From the Paper "Current rules also prohibit single mothers and children from receiving child support payments if they are already receiving cash assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. If any payments are made under these conditions, the government retains the money and no payments benefit his children. This rule bars children and their families from receiving potentially large amounts of much-needed child support. In 1998, states collected $2.6 billion in child support for families receiving TANF. However, only $282 million was passed along to the families and children for whom the money was intended."
Identifies causal factors for the gap in health care access for lower-income Americans and visible minorities and the more affluent members of America's majority.
Abstract As the American population continues to become more diverse racially, members of visible minority groups within the population become more prominent. Simultaneously, with the increase in diversity, incomedistribution in the American economy has become more distorted. While economic growth in the United States has surged over the past decade, the income gap has widened; not only between the richest and poorest Americans, but also between moderate-income and low-income Americans. Members of visible minorities in the population tend to be represented disproportionately in the low-income and poverty classifications in the United States. While there is an abundance of implications of this state of affairs, one of the more crucial ones is access to health care. Individual and household financial capacity, the scarcity of employer-paid health insurance among small businesses, cultural differences based in social psychology and other factors frequently act as impediments to health care access for low-income individuals and households among visible minority population groups in the contemporary United States. This problem and these issues are investigated in this study. The study identifies causal factors for the gap in health care access between lower-income Americans and members of visible minorities in the United States, on the one hand, and more affluent Americans and members of the majority segment of the population, on the other hand. The initial chapter of this study delineates the problem investigated. Specific research questions are formulated and stated to provide greater focus for the investigation.
Social psychological theory and applied social psychology literature are reviewed in the second chapter. Literature relevant to the functioning of low-income and visible minority population groups in the United States within a social psychological context are reviewed in the third chapter. The fourth chapter is devoted to a review of literature relevant to both the health care system in the United States and the experiences of low-income and visible minority population groups in relation to health care access and health care delivery in the United States. An assessment of the problem investigated, performed within the structure of the research questions, is presented in the final (fifth) chapter. Conclusions drawn from the study findings are stated and recommendations for further research are made. The summary conclusions reached through the conduct of this study relate both to health care access and health care utilization by low-income persons and members of visible minorities. With respect to health care access, the summary conclusion reached is that a universal system of health care entitlement is required in the United States. In relation to health care utilization by low-income persons and members of visible minorities, the summary conclusion reached is that extensive education is required for both low-income persons and members of visible minorities, on the one hand, and health care providers, on the other hand. Low-income persons and members of visible minorities require education on the benefits and function of health care services, while health care providers require education in the social mores of the diverse populations they must serve.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Problem Delineation
Background on the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Review of Relevant Social Psychology Theory and Literature
Introduction
Sociological Theory and Health Care
The Welfare State
Accessing Contemporary Health Care
Role of Ethics in Accessing Health Care
Alternative Health Care Delivery Systems
Chapter Conclusions
Social Functioning of Low-Income and Visible Minority Population Groups
Introduction
HIV/AIDS Related Behavior
Initiatives to Improve Health Care
Access and Behaviors
The American Health Care System and the Experiences of Low-Income and Visible Minority Groups
Introduction
The American Health Care System
Analysis of Health Care Delivery Systems
Care Quality
Alternative Approaches to Health Care
Bioethical Issues
Problems of Accessibility
Initiatives to Improve Minority Access
Chapter Conclusions
Assessment of the Problem Discussion, Recommendations for Further Research
Appendices
Annotated Bibliography
From the Paper "Social Cognitive Theory [self-efficacy] emphasizes the role of expectancies, self-efficacy, peer normative influences, and social competency skills as key components affecting adolescents? behaviors (DiClemente, Lodico, Grinstead, Harper, Rickman, Evans, & Coates, 1996). The applicability of models based on social psychological principles for understanding African-Americans? decision-making and sexual behavior has been questioned because most such models tend to be individually-focused and do not take into account the social context in which the behavior is embedded (Cochran & Mays, 1993). Social cognitive theory, however, explicitly integrates behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors as reciprocally interactive. Thus, given the hypothesized multi-factorial nature of sexual decision making and the potential impact of the high-risk social environment of the study population, approaches based on social cognitive theory are thought to be particularly relevant for understanding the myriad factors that may affect African-Americans? sexual behavior."
Abstract This paper explains that sociologists and politicians have become extremely worried about the growth in international and national income disparity especially in developing countries, which is considered to be the cause of political strife. The author stresses that calculating the level of income disparity in developed or under-developed societies is not easy; two different studies of one particular country, at the exact same time, can come to two different conclusions. The paper proposes a comparative analysis of the various structures and theories of income disparity measurements being utilized by the third world countries, which are comprehensive enough to accurately evaluate income disparities with all independent variable, such as color, gender, rural/urban, economical system and occupation. Tables and graphs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Research Questions
General Questions
Specific Questions
Background of the Study
The Histories Context of Income Disparity:
Literature Review
A Brief Overview of the Income Disparity Measurement Methods Being Used
Critical Analysis of these Measurement Methods
Problems with the Use of these Methods within Countries
Ideas about the Gaps that Exist
What is Wrong with the Present Methods being Used?
Theoretical Framework
Summary of the Theoretical Framework
Hypothesis
General Questions
Specific Questions
Research Design
Operationalization Variables
Data Collected
Analysis Plan
Causal Diagram (Ordinary Least Squares Regression)
Conclusion
Table: World Population and Total poverty
Table: Education Spending in relation to the Total GDP and Total Expenditure of the Governments
Table: The Percentage of Income Sharing between the Richest and the Poorest
Table: Gender Related IncomeDistribution Table: Occupation and Unemployment Rates
From the Paper "A substitute structure of measurement frequently employed by the third world has been the use of per capita GNP facts and figures (GNP/c), however, the consideration of purchasing power parity (PPP) has been made and changes have been made accordingly. The changes made in this system compare the local prices of products, merchandise and services of that particular country with the international prices of the same commodities. By utilizing the identical comparative prices for each and every product and services, the researchers evaluated the income measurements that had been changed for purchasing power parity (PPP). The results of the measurements model that considers the purchasing power parity (PPP) and changes the GNP/c accordingly is different from the model that disregards the changes."
Abstract This paper explains that, in the area of market behavior, Adam Smith believed that the availability and cost of labor, rather than the seasonality of weather, contributes to the overall economic picture in his assertion that "labor, not nature, was the source of value." The author points out that, in the area of wealth distribution, Smith was not nearly as interested in the rise of this middle class of shopkeepers as in his promoting the idea that entire nationals can profit. The paper relates that, in the area of future growth, Smith believed that everybody gradually became better off as the division of labor increased and made the community wealthier.
Table of Contents
The Behavior of the Market
IncomeDistribution Future Growth
From the Paper "It seems obvious, then, that the look into the future was one of constant (and perhaps consistent) pessimism for Ricardo who saw the "wealth" of the nation as being the land, and the land's productivity being stretched thinner and thinner, and the results becoming more expensive. For Smith, he tended to perhaps overlook this struggle of land, landlord and a rising bourgeoisie in favor of the greater good for the greatest number of people in the long run. Ricardo's future sees the capitalist as being squeezed on two fronts: higher wages to be paid to the workers, and second having to pay increased rent for the land, because land has become dearer."
This paper compares liberal, conservative and radical views regarding incomedistribution and public policy: Demographics of poverty and social and political aspects.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 8 sources, 1991, $ 55.95
From the Paper "Income distribution refers to the proportional share of economic benefits received by the different segments comprising an economy. The definition of segments tends to shift, based on the perspective of the examination, and the composition of segments overlap as the perspective changes. Economists often distinguish between the owners of capital and labor in considerations of income distribution, while social activists are more apt to be concerned with the distribution of income between the wealthy and the poor (Nasar, 1986), white and nonwhite, and male and female, and tax planners are interested in income distribution according to population-income ... "
Abstract This paper discusses whether or not the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. The analysis examines the reasons for such a gap including provincial and federal taxation and ineffective approaches used to measure levels of poverty in Canada. The paper, however, does not take into consideration the socio-economic factors that affect poverty.
From the Paper "Running head: Income Distribution Are the Rich Getting Richer and the Poor Getting Poorer Still Today? Are the Rich Getting Richer and the Poor Getting Poorer Still Today? Introduction Poverty does not discriminate. The poor can be found in every country around the world. The poorest of poor are typically found in underdeveloped countries, but this problem does not discriminate. Canada is a wealthy nation and one of the best countries to live and work in. Some Canadians believe that there are no poor people in Canada, none that are starving and dying like the images seen on the commercials for organizations such as World Vision and Foster Parent's Plan."
This paper compares Keynesian consumption theory and the more modern permanent income hypothesis by presenting the implications of the assumption that consumers are not myopic.
Abstract In this article, the writer studies J. M. Keynes' consumption theory, also known as the absolute income hypothesis, and the permanent income hypothesis, suggested by M. Friedman in the famous paper "A Theory of the Consumption Function". The writer starts with a brief overview of the Keynesian consumption theory and then continues with the explanation of the permanent income hypothesis (PIH). The writer maintains that the Keynesian consumption theory fails to provide a valid explanation of consumer behaviour in the sense that it does not incorporate rational expectations that sensible and generally forward-looking consumers make. The writer concludes that Friedman's permanent income hypothesis, therefore, becomes more plausible when it suggests that consumption tends to be smoothed out throughout time periods allowing for income fluctuations to occur and that consumption responds to permanent changes in permanent income rather than to temporary changes in actual income.
From the Paper "Clearly, the main weakness of the Keynes' theory is that it assumes that individuals are short-sighted because they observe their actual income only and ignore the potential future income (or lack of it). A more reasonable approach is to presume that consumers' behaviour is likely to be intelligent and forward-looking. In this case, current consumption decisions become highly dependent on the expectations about the future, i.e. future labour income, real interest rates or taxes. The model which incorporates these expectations is the permanent income hypothesis.
"The central idea behind the PIH model is that individuals form estimates of their ability to consume in the long run and then set current consumption to the appropriate fraction of that estimate in order to smooth out their consumption over periods even when their income may be subject to fluctuations."
A discussion on the migration of distribution system from traditional channels of distribution (special agents) to internet-based service for Windowsill Protectors.
Abstract This paper is a case study of a migration project involving the introduction of a new channel of business to Home Accessories International, a provider of accessories to the home. The paper specifically focuses on a windowsill protector product line. The new channel is online distribution of this product (e-tailing).
Table of Contents:
Project Overview
Management Summary
Introduction
Migration Issues
Impact of E-tailing on Relationship with Existing Network of Specialised Distributors
Maintaining Existing Customer Loyalty to the HAI Brand Despite the Changing Channel of Distribution Researching Legal Issues of Internet Based Distribution in an International Setting
Costs and Delivery Time-frame
Periodic Updates for Senior Management and Other Stakeholders
Conclusion
Appendix A
From the Paper "Home Accessories International (HAI) is a provider of various accessories to the home. Traditionally distribution of goods has been performed via a network of specialised distributors across Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. Senior management has recently decided to migrate an existing product line, windowsill protectors, to an online distribution system (e-tailing) in order to reduce the costs involved in relying on agents to market the goods to retail customers. This will be a test case which will be closely observed by other divisions of HAI. If successful, implementation will be extended throughout the company. E-tailing is unlikely to attract new customers in the first instance and this is not the aim of the project. Management will be satisfied to maintain the existing customer base during the first year of online operation."
Tags: accessories, commerce, distribution, e, implementation, legislation, product, quality, tailing
Abstract This paper describes Scottish Newcastle (SN), an Edinburgh Scotland-based brewer, with international distribution. The author points out the company's desire to expand its distribution to travel venues. The paper suggest channels of distribution to support this strategy.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine an account of channels of distribution for the products of Scottish Newcastle (SN), an Edinburgh Scotland-based brewer, that has international scope. The company, which is traded publicly and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, reportedly is in the top ... by sales volume in the world. That information is in the background of a trade-publication article describing SN's deliberate expansion of marketing efforts to widen its channels of distribution in major travel venues in particular with ..."
Abstract This paper is a case study involving the introduction of a new channel of business to Gripping Stuff Entertainment. The case study introduces online distribution of the product while maintaining the loyalty of the existing customer base and then increasing its size through implementation of a loyalty scheme.
Table of Contents:
Project Overview
Management Summary
Introduction
Migration Issues
Encouraging Customers to Utilise Internet Rentals Over Traditional Rentals From a Physical Store
Increase Existing Customer Loyalty to the GSE Brand Despite the Changing Channel of Distribution Grow the Core of the Business by Increasing Market Penetration/Customer Base
Costs and Delivery Time-Frame
Periodic Updates for Senior Management and Other Stakeholders
Conclusion
Appendix A
From the Paper "Gripping Stuff Entertainment (GSE) is an entertainment service provider specialising in movie rentals. Traditionally distribution of videos and DVDs was accomplished via the GSE stores from which they were rented. Senior management has recently decided to migrate from the traditional distribution system to an online version in order to reduce costs resulting from physical storefront rentals and maintenance and also in order expand the customer base. A very real risk is that existing customers will be drawn over to competing home entertainment providers while GSE implements this migration. In order to mitigate this risk and also to increase general customer loyalty to the GSE brand, a loyalty programme will be launched and integrated with the new internet distribution channel. Offering loyalty incentives to those customers who choose to utilise the internet mode of distribution will increase internet sales penetration of the market while increasing overall loyalty to GSE."
