Income and Wealth Inequality
Income and Wealth Inequality
- Laurel SariscsanyLaurel SariscsanyColumbia University
Summary
Reversing extreme economic inequality is one of the grand challenges for social work, identified as one of the most critical issues in the field. Two key types of economic inequality, income and wealth inequality are described. Although, wealth and income inequality are often discussed synonymously they have differing levels of inequality and impact clients’ lives differently. Perhaps more importantly, as this article describes, solving income and wealth inequality require differing solutions. The article further explores the specific income and wealth inequality experienced by women and people of color, due in part to discrimination. Lastly, the efforts of social workers to address economic inequality through research, practice, and advocacy are described.
Keywords
Subjects
- Gender and Sexuality
- Macro Practice
- Policy and Advocacy
- Poverty
- Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
