Inequality in America: Race, Poverty, and Fulfilling Democracy's Promise

Stephen Maynard Caliendo (Get this book)
Despite our nation's founding on the ideals of equality, the wealth gap in the U.S. is widening at an alarming rate. Political science scholar Caliendo takes a historical and contemporary look at race and economic inequality in the U.S., drawing on research in a wide range of areas, including economics, education, sociology, psychology, criminal justice, and medicine. He explores the assumptions that are widely held about poverty in the U.S.that it is primarily due to character flaws, that government assistance mostly goes to minorities, and that poverty is urban-centered. Caliendo focuses on the politics behind poverty, the notions that separate liberals and conservatives on issues of privilege, meritocracy, individualism, and economic redistribution. This is a well-researched and insightful perspective on economic inequality and its conflict with American ideals.--Booklist