Looking at both recent and historic trends in economic inequality

Question: Looking at both recent and historic trends in economic inequality, i.e. the gap between the highest and the lowest wage earners, how do you see economic inequality impacting and affecting other social issues? In what ways does economic inequality make other social issues worse, or does economic inequality have an effect on other social issues at all? Will addressing economic inequality and reducing the gap between the highest and lowest wage earners affect other social problems in any tangible way?

Explanation: You have, at your disposal, four articles, each with different takes and perspectives on how economic systems impact people. Use the information and knowledge you have gained; seek out more if you need it.

You do not need to use more than the prepared articles. They have sufficient information to allow you to make an informed argument.

What you need to do: Answer the question with a well-thought out argument. Back that argument up with reasoning derived from the argument. Back your reasoning with support from the readings. Write an essay around that.

Purpose: Information, ultimately, is only as useful as it is relevant to the world we live in. If these articles cannot be applied to our lives now, what purpose would they serve other than historical documentation? The midterm is examining how well your crash course allows you to translate historical information to current and future trends.

What you need to turn in: All of your Pre-Exam work should be turned in, as it is worth half of the points for the exam.