Economic inequality

Question 1

Discrimination

Answer 1

Discrimination leads to economic inequality. This is because some ethnic minorities in the USA are either denied jobs because of their race OR they are paid less than white workers who do the same job.

For example, in the USA the pay gap between White and Black Americans is approximately 30%. (There is a 30% difference in the wages of Black Americans and White Americans).

Question 2

Legal status

Answer 2

Legal status can also lead to economic inequality.
Some ethnic minorities in the USA are illegal immigrants. In order to work in the USA, you need documentation and legal status. Therefore, many illegal immigrants are either unable to work OR they work illegally under the radar for less than minimum wage.

or example, in 2020 it was estimated that around a quarter of immigrants in the USA were unauthorised (illegal) immigrants