The "Gap" Between Classes

3 September 2015

Is There A Solution?

Expo 1213 - "What is Work?" 

Maddy Payne 

Clearly, one can see looking at the image below how large the "gap" between classes is.  To me, it seems more substantial than a gap.  Regardless, the real question Americans should be thinking about is if this gap that exists and is growing between classes can be lessened.  The minimum wage earner and the median wage earner the pay per hour is more than twice as much.  Furthermore, the amount of money a CEO makes in comparison to a minimum wage earner is $20,160.00 an hour to $7.25 an hour. 

Moreover, the time it takes a minimum wage earner to make enough for one gallon of milk is also substantially less than what is takes a CEO.  What comes easily and without thought for CEOs, is, on the other hand, hard word and time for a minimum wage earner.  Both are working, but only one can afford basic needs.  Is is essentially, from the perspective of the minimum and sometimes median wage earner, having to work so much more than other people for the same result. 

 

Photo from: http://www.thecollaredsheep.com/infographic-the-99-need-a-raise/

So, what is the issue? Minimum wage earners might not be required to know specifics, have a degree in a certain field, or work with advanced technology.  Median wage earners, what I would consider the working class or a little above, might have some specialty skills but are more comfortable with hard work and little show.  However, there are many cases where the minimum and median wage earner both strive to be and work hard to become CEOs but simply do not have enough connections, references, experiences, etc. to do so.  Recent studies show that Americans are naturally hard working.  In Tom Suhrbur's article, "Working Longer and Enjoying it Less?" he describes the Fair Labor Standards Act that was established around 1938 to help prevent factories and businesses from overworking their employees.  This act made the 8 hours/40 hours a week the standard work time; however, nowadays, some, if not most, people work more than this amount.  Why?  Because Americans are always looking for work, always looking for a way to earn more.  

The gap between social classes is due to many reasons, some of which I do not know are fixable. Sometimes it is luck that gets people places.  Many CEOs are simply heirs to what their ancestors created.  Many minimum wage earners do have dreams and talents but simply do not know how to get out of their financial situation or debt.  The economy and social classes are complex and it is going to take a lot of time and planning to figure out a solution to solve the huge occupational inequality in the world today.