identity

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Over the past decade, the United States has been hindered by massive cultural division and economic hardship. The division between rich and working class Americans has in essence formed two separate cultural identities that no longer see themselves as working towards the same goal. The continual distinctions between the wealthy and everyone else have emerged from inefficiencies within our economic system and a perceived lack of power and influence among the working class. The sharp division between the rich and the poor not only diminishes our sense of cultural identity, but it makes for a less efficient and prosperous country in the long run.
Capitalism thrives on conspicuous consumer spending, and the ever-growing cultural divide between the rich and poor is symptomatic of how inefficiencies within an economic system can create strong hostility and feelings of oppression within a society. Rather than all americans feeling like they are a part of a single group identity, this massive individual income disparity has brought the country to the point of conflict between different income brackets. Unity and a strong group identity can lead to great economic and social progress, this is why popular wars, such as World War 2 can lead to economic booms and a renewed sense of nationalism. The american dream needs to feel attainable and real in order for less fortunate Americans to buy into the system. Deregulation does not create an economic environment conducive to upward mobility and a sense of equality, two things that are essential for cultural unity.
Conspicuous Consumption is the phenomena where individuals choose to purchase products in order to bolster their own appearance and give others the impression of wealth ...

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.... 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.
Moore, Michael. "If Henry Ford Could Pay a $15 Minimum Wage 100 Years Ago, So Can We." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 28 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.

Works Cited

Sackrey, Charles, Geoffrey Eugene. Schneider, Janet T. Knoedler, and Hans Jensen. Introduction to Political Economy. Boston, MA: Dollars and Sense, Economic Affairs Bureau, 2010. Print.
Shin, Laura. "The 85 Richest People In The World Have As Much Wealth As The 3.5 Billion Poorest." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 23 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.
Taylor, Adam. "26 Amazing Facts About Finland's Unorthodox Education System." Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 14 Dec. 2011. Web. 18 Feb. 2014.
Moore, Michael. "If Henry Ford Could Pay a $15 Minimum Wage 100 Years Ago, So Can We." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 28 Jan. 2014. Web. 20 Feb. 2014.

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