Inequality For All Flashcards

Study Notes

Suspension Bridge Graph

Represents the correlation between rising income inequality and economic downturns.
Economic crashes often follow periods of high income inequality.
The trend of financial wages mirrors the trend of increasing inequality.

Parallels Between 1928 and 2007

Both years experienced significant income inequality.
Each preceded major economic crashes.
Speculation in Wall Street led to risky investments.
Stagnating wages forced the middle class to take on debt to maintain their lifestyle.
The housing market crash was a key event following this debt bubble.

Aftermath of Crashes

Economic crashes followed both 1928 and 2007.
Wall Street speculation increased prior to each crash.
The middle class accumulated debt due to stagnant wages.

Causes of Crashes According to Reich

Peaks of income where the top 1% earn over 23% signal impending economic downturns.
Historical observation of a 'suspension bridge graph' correlating peak years of wealth concentration with crashes.
Wealthy individuals shifted their focus from consumer spending to business interests.

Importance of the Middle Class

Accounts for 70% of the US economy through spending.
Currently facing wage stagnation and increasing debt levels.
Middle class spending is crucial for economic stability; wealthy individuals do not solely drive consumption.

Current Status of the Middle Class

Experiencing significant debt to uphold living standards.
Serves as the backbone of consumer spending.
A strong, thriving middle class is essential for economic growth and stability.
Many individuals feel economically insecure despite being classified as middle class.

Definition of Middle Class

Positioned around the income threshold of $50,000, with individuals earning above or below this amount.

Wage Trends Since the 1970s

Upper-class savings contribute less to economic growth compared to middle-class spending.
Middle class holds the potential to drive job creation through consumption.
Increased automation in factories has led to job losses.
Despite rising costs in essential areas, wages have not increased adequately.
Upward mobility is declining in comparison to countries like Great Britain and Denmark.

Amazon's Economic Impact

Employs 60,000 workers, showcasing efficient business models compared to smaller retailers.
Companies often lay off long-term employees to cut costs and maximize profits.
Shift towards automation presents challenges for traditional employment structures.

The Great Prosperity

Characterized by accessible higher education, largely supported by the GI Bill.
Resulted in the formation of a robust middle class during a favorable economic cycle.
The cycle involved increases in taxes, wages, and worker education, benefiting the overall economy.

Reich's Emphasis on Education

Highlights a virtuous cycle linking education, skills, spending, and investment.
Rising tuition and state budget cuts threaten access to higher education.
Education played a pivotal role in elevating individuals to the middle class during the Great Prosperity.

Middle Class Responses to Flattening Wages

Flattening wages began in the late 1970s coinciding with declining labor union strength.
Major shifts in globalization and technology impacted income distributions.
Policies under Reagan affected labor unions adversely, contributing to wage stagnation and economic inequality.

Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts from the documentary 'Inequality For All' with these flashcards. Explore the intersections of income inequality, economic downturns, and historical parallels between financial crises. Each card offers a deep dive into significant terms and their implications in society.