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Kenworthy, L. (2016, July 27). Inequality and sociology. American Behavioral Scientist, 50(5), 584–602. doi:10.1177/0002764206295008

Sociologists have contributed relatively little to our understanding of rising inequality of earnings and income in the United States. The author considers both why that has been the case and the degree to which it matters. Suggestions are offered about how a comparative perspective can help to shed some light on developments in the United States.

Questions to Consider

1. Why is the gap between the families who are wealthy and the families who are poor continuing to increase?
2. What would propose be done to help bridge the gap between these families?

Pockett, R., Rose, K. P., & Hatzenbuehler, S. (2009, June 30). Embodying social class. International Social Work, 52(4), 459–471. doi:10.1177/0020872809104250

Poverty, income inequality, and the inequitable distribution of health invariably co-occur. The strength of the relationship between wealth and health holds even in countries with universal health care. A systematic literature review describes pathways from inequality of wealth to embodied diseases. The significance for social policy and social work practice is developed.

Questions to Consider

1. According to this article what is the relationship between social class and health?
2. How can studies like this one help us to develop policies that will improve the overall health of those who most need assistance?