Economic Inequality Seen as Major Challenge Around the World
Across 36 countries, a median of 54% say the gap between the rich and poor is a very big problem in their nation.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
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Economic Inequality
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Economic Inequality
Publications
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Are Americans ready for Obama’s ‘middle class’ populism?
Trends in public opinion are in line with Obama’s agenda: The priority given to deficit reduction has slipped somewhat, while public support for rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure has increased.
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America’s ‘middle’ holds its ground after the Great Recession
The share of Americans who live in middle-income households has held steady since 2010 – a flat trend that might actually be good news.
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Inequality is at top of the agenda as global elites gather in Davos
Income inequality will be a key topic of discussion for economic leaders meeting in Davos. Pew Research Center surveys also have shown that income inequality is a global cause for concern.
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On MLK Day, a look at black and white America
Nearly 47 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, blacks and whites in the United States in many ways continue to live starkly different lives.
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The Politics of Financial Insecurity
While the least financially secure Americans are more likely to back Democrats, that support is undercut by low political participation. Those who are financially insecure are far more likely to opt out of the political system altogether.
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America’s wealth gap between middle-income and upper-income families is widest on record
The gap between America’s upper-income and middle-income families has reached its highest level on record. In 2013, the median wealth of the nation’s upper-income families ($639,400) was nearly seven times the median wealth of middle-income families ($96,500).
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Wealth inequality has widened along racial, ethnic lines since end of Great Recession
The median wealth of white households was 13 times the wealth of black households and 10 times that of Hispanic households in 2013, compared with eight and nine times, respectively, in 2010.
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With 41% of global wealth in the hands of less than 1%, elites and citizens agree inequality is a top priority
People with a net worth of more than $1 million represent just 0.7% of the global population, but they have 41% of the world’s wealth. Meanwhile, those with a net worth of less than $10,000 represent 69% of the population, but just 3% of global wealth.
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Inequality, joblessness are top threats in 2015, World Economic Forum experts say
Growing economic inequality, increasing joblessness, global pollution and severe weather events are among the world’s most pressing threats experts say.
