Inequality White Paper

Transcription

1 Does inequality matter? Inequality White Paper There is inequality. We could argue about how much there is, and whether or not it is increasing at an all-time rate, or by a little, or staying about the same, but let s not. That would essentially be an argument about mathematics and statistics. There is broad agreement that there is a lot of inequality in the United States in What people don t agree on is why we have the inequality, and whether or not it is harmful for society that there is so much inequality. So let s focus on the big picture: If your income was in the top 40%, you ve likely seen your wealth go up in the past two decades. If you are in the bottom 60, it s probably gone down. The top 10% has seen their median net worth increase 61% since Essential Questions- Does inequality matter? If it does, what structures and factors have contributed to inequality? What are possible solutions? -Wall Street Journal Jan 21 st, 2015 Task: You will be writing a White Paper taking a position on the above essential question(s). A white paper is a type of research paper used by government agencies, think tanks and other policy institutes, and businesses to help readers understand an issue and make a case for a particular policy or argument. They are essentially research papers with a persuasive element. In order to write an effective white paper, you must provide an overview of the topic and arguments on both sides, then support your proposal or position with evidence and arguments. A good white paper is thoroughly researched, well written and organized, contains visuals in the form of charts and graphs that support the writer s claims, and cites its sources throughout the writing as well as at the conclusion with a works cited. Yours will do the same! Economics, Spring

2 White Paper Outline: Section One: Introduction to Inequality (2 pages) Give an overview of the issue of inequality in the United States. Issues that must be addressed in this section: What is inequality? Current levels of inequality in the US? Differences between income inequality and wealth inequality. The arguments for why inequality is something we should be concerned about as a society. The arguments for why inequality is not something we need to be concerned about. Section Two: Minimum Wage (2 pages) Give an overview of the minimum wage in the United States. Issues that must be addressed in this section: Why do countries have a minimum wage? What is the current minimum wage rate? Arguments for raising the minimum wage as a way to address inequality Arguments against raising the minimum wage as a way to address inequality Section Three: Taxes (2 pages) Explain how taxes could be used to address inequality in the US. Issues that must be addressed in this section: What are some of the main types of taxes individuals pay in the US? (Note: focus on those provided in the reading packet) What are progressive and regressive taxes? Arguments for raising certain types of taxes as a way to address inequality. Which taxes would be raised, and to what levels? Arguments against raising taxes to address inequality. Section Four: Your Position (3 Pages) Now that you have given the important background on the topic and arguments from both sides, take a position, with a thesis, and provide evidence to support your position. Your thesis is a response to the Essential questions from above: Does inequality matter? If it does, what structures and factors have contributed to inequality? What are possible solutions? Possible structure for the section: Argue that yes inequality does matter, explain why it does, and provide what you believe to be the best solutions to the problem. Or, Argue that inequality does not matter, explain why it does not, and explain why some of the solutions proposed are either unnecessary or will either make matters worse or won t work. Economics, Spring

3 Other, general requirements: Research o You must cite (and use!) a minimum of 15 sources, including a mix of sources I provide and at least 5 of your own sources. These sources must be credible. MLA format o Parenthetical, in-text citation throughout the paper. o Typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1 inch margins on all sides. o Sub headings for each section. o Works Cited at the conclusion of the paper. Charts and Graphs o Inclusion of a minimum of 3 charts or graphs o Cite where they came from, and include a reference to them in your writing. Research Notes o You must keep records of your research notes, using the form provided (handwritten or in digital format). These notes will be turned in along with your completed paper at the end of the project. Due Dates: Section 1: Rough Draft with research notes due Tuesday, January 17 (Period 6-8/10-12) or Wednesday, January 18 (Period 1-3/9-11) Section 2 and Section3: Rough Draft with research notes due Friday, January 27 for all periods. Section 3 and Final Draft: Final paper with all research notes due Wednesday, February 10pm on turnitin.com Economics, Spring

4 Essential Skills and Knowledge you will be assessed on: Inequality White Paper Content Analysis Paper provides a detailed, thoughtful, and appropriate analysis of the issues of inequality. All aspects of the white paper required are complete. Student has clearly mastered the economic concepts necessary to complete the analysis. Formulates plausible interpretations, arguments, or claims based on an evaluation of a variety evidence. Justifies claims using relevant, strong, and accurate evidence. In analysis, student is able to differentiate between and evaluate multiple perspectives, construct an interpretation of events and evaluate patterns, apply prior and new knowledge to determine and assess historical setting, as well as identify and justify significance through an analysis that is detailed and thorough, demonstrating creative, original ideas and insights as well as in-depth commentary that goes beyond basic and obvious Presentation provides a mostly detailed, thoughtful, and appropriate analysis of the issues of inequality. Most aspects of the white paper required are complete. Student shows mastery of the economic concepts necessary to complete the analysis. Generates a reasonable interpretation, argument, or claim based on an evaluation of some evidence. Justifies claims using relevant and accurate evidence. In analysis, student is able to identify and explain multiple perspectives, identify and explain events and patterns, apply prior and new knowledge to determine historical setting, as well as identify and explain significance through an analysis that provides many details and attempts creative, original ideas and insights as well as commentary that does beyond basic and obvious Presentation provides an analysis of the issues of inequality, but lacks details and depth of analysis. Only some aspects of the white paper requirements may be complete. Student shows only a basic mastery of the economic concepts necessary to complete the analysis. States an interpretation, argument, or claim that may or may not be based on evidence. Justifies claims using generalizations or limited evidence. In analysis, student is able to identify some perspectives, identify some patterns, attempts to determine historical setting, as well as attempts to determine significance through an analysis that includes basic and surfacelevel Presentation does not provide an appropriate analysis of the issues of inequality. Few aspects of the analysis required may be complete. Student does not show a basic mastery of the economic concepts necessary to complete the analysis. Interpretation is not supported by evidence and/or irrelevant. Connections are weak and may show a misunderstanding of the content. Economics, Spring

5 Economics, Spring