Civics

Era 14: Contemporary United States: Domestic Policies (1970–Today) - Article

Income Inequality

Summary: Students will utilize the Structured Academic Controversy method to explore the issue of income inequality in America. Through reading and civil discourse, a clear understanding of the concept and its causes will emerge. In addition, students will realize that while the existence of the problem is broadly embraced, people disagree on a remedy. Students will gradually construct their own opinions as they uncover compelling arguments on both sides of the debate.

Overarching Questions:

  • CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
  • CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
  • ECONOMICS: What is the proper role of government in the economy? (Especially with regard to economic crises, national defense/security, health and safety of the people, and economic development and practices.)

NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:

  • 6.1.12.HistoryCC.16.a: Assess from various perspectives the effectiveness with which the United States government addresses economic issues that affect individuals, business, and/or other countries.
  • 6.1.12.HistoryCC.16.b: Determine past and present factors that led to the widening of the gap between the rich and poor, and evaluate how this has affected individuals and society.
  • 6.1.12.EconET.14.a: Use current events to judge what extent the government should intervene at the local, state, and national levels on issues related to the economy.
  • 6.1.12.EconET.14.b: Analyze economic trends, income distribution, labor participation (i.e., employment, the composition of the workforce), and government and consumer debt and their impact on society.

Link to Lesson: EconEdLink - Income Inequality (To gain full access, EconEdLink requires that teachers sign in and register for free. Thereafter, teachers may gain access to all the resources for this interactive lesson.)