Experts delineate economic inequality in a somewhat diverse approach depending on the subject of discussion. For instance in pecuniary terms, economic inequality refers to a state of affairs in which income and wealth are asymmetrically distributed among individuals in a group or groups of the populace. Sentiments however differ on the general importance of economic inequality, its effects, and causes. One such divergence of thoughts regards the role of societal family structure in the upsurge of economic inequality. For example, DeParle argues that the inequality (economic or society) is partly attributed to the changes in nuptial patterns, rather than the conventional fluctuations in individual earnings (sec one par. 1). Such sentiments have provoked divergent views across the divide. So herein in this article, did changing socio-cultural values degrade the significance of the two-parent family setup, which at that juncture led to income dissimilarity? Or simply did the rise in income inequality coupled with the lack of breaks for less-educated menfolk cause the degeneration of families?
My Opinion concurs that there is no reservation that the transferals in societal family structure play significant roles in both inequalities, and it’s inter and intra-generational transmission. The resultant gap in resources (parental attention, money, and social capital notwithstanding) available to a child differs from parents of different backgrounds (Yglesias par. 1). In this case, the wealth of a child of a dualistic high-earning professional parents, and those accessible to a tot raised by a lone working-class mother is amply bigger. Such gaps are greater than the gap that would exist if the disparity in retributions were not intensified by the peculiar difference in their family structure.
In that vein, my point and to simplify it is that complete family structure is paramount in the delineation of societal inequality and opportunity. A number of studies reveal that men tend to make more economic gains when they are hitched. As a result, kids raised in such complete family structures fare better compared to their counterparts in single households. In fact, a substantial family construction is decisive for inculcating the edification and habits necessary to succeed in life (Mian and Sufi par. 11). Therefore, the breakdown in dualistic families has resulted in increased income inequality in the society. But then again I’m also skeptical about recent determinations to turn the inequality debate toward single parenthood. I am rather perturbed to the inclination towards single mothers and absent fathers. Research indicates that in the end, single mothers just does not drive the societal and economic changes we are currently experiencing. (Weissmann par. 4)
In sum, fragile families and single mothers are a fact of American life and elsewhere, and collectively undoubtedly need better ways of supporting them. But such a discussion should not be an auxiliary for grappling with the rise of the global wealthy few. Social masterminds can debate whether marriage-life truly turns men into ambitious, more responsible, and higher-earning individuals (as several have contended) or whether such men are just more likely to get married. Then again common sense articulates that the veracity lies somewhere in between. One can deliberate whether household income or family structure plays an additional vital role in shaping kids. However, I think just as most people would approve that dualistic parenting is preferable to single parenthood.
Works Cited
DeParle, Jason. "Log In - The New York Times." Log In - The New York Times. N.p., 14 July 2012. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/14/economic-inequality-and-the-changing-family/?ref=jasondeparle&_r=1>.
Sufi, Amir, and Atif Mian. "Family Structure and Inequality | House of Debt." House of Debt | Economic Commentary from Atif Mian and Amir Sufi. N.p., 10 Apr. 2014. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://houseofdebt.org/2014/04/10/family-structure-and-inequality.html>.
Weissmann, Jordan. "Family structure and economic inequality: Single-parent families aren't to blame." Slate Magazine. N.p., 28 Oct. 2014. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2014/10/28/family_structure_and_economic_inequality_single_parent_families_aren_t_to.html>.
Yglesias, Matthew. "Family Structure, Inequality, and Opportunity." ThinkProgress. N.p., 2 Nov. 2009. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://thinkprogress.org/yglesias/2009/11/02/194960/family-structure-inequality-and-opportunity/>.
