DEMOCRACY AND INEQUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES

Credit Hours: 3 · Undergraduate Upper-Level

Today, American political commentators and critics take for granted the notion that democracy promotes social and economic equality more effectively than any other mode of governance. This belief persists despite an increasing share of wealth flowing to a small elite and a disquieting rise of ethno-nationalist rhetoric and sympathy. Democracy and social and economic inequality are extremely compatible. So, what is the relationship between democracy and inequality? What does the pursuit of equality look like in a modern democracy? To what extent are economic and social equality necessary for democratic flourishing? Are they worthwhile goals in the first place?