The New Economics of American Citizenship: How Income Inequality Undermines Notions of American Identity
Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2014
Location
Room E103, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-12-2014 10:00 AM
End Date
4-12-2014 11:00 AM
Disciplines
Political Science
Abstract
This paper explores citizenship theory in the context of social exclusion and class status. Extensive scholarly work examines how various indicators - such as income and race - affect citizenship rights. While race and socioeconomic status have long been recognized as contributing factors to social exclusion, the extent to which these factors affect the ability to exercise citizenship rights remains insufficiently analyzed given the recent increase in income inequality and increased pressure on American welfare resources. Demonstrating that federal government policies have abetted global economic changes that favor the wealthy, the paper concludes that 1.) increased income inequality has undermined political equality and inclusion 2.) social framing of poverty blames the victim rather than circumstance. The combination of these factors undermines a common sense of ‘Americanness’.
The New Economics of American Citizenship: How Income Inequality Undermines Notions of American Identity
Room E103, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
This paper explores citizenship theory in the context of social exclusion and class status. Extensive scholarly work examines how various indicators - such as income and race - affect citizenship rights. While race and socioeconomic status have long been recognized as contributing factors to social exclusion, the extent to which these factors affect the ability to exercise citizenship rights remains insufficiently analyzed given the recent increase in income inequality and increased pressure on American welfare resources. Demonstrating that federal government policies have abetted global economic changes that favor the wealthy, the paper concludes that 1.) increased income inequality has undermined political equality and inclusion 2.) social framing of poverty blames the victim rather than circumstance. The combination of these factors undermines a common sense of ‘Americanness’.