Socio-Economic Inequality

Question 1

1P

Answer 1

African Americans

Question 2

1E

Answer 2

For instance, African-Americans are twice as likely to live in poverty as white US citizens. In education this is reflected as well as even though since 1990 the number of black people who graduate with college degrees has doubled, it still lags far behind whites.

Question 3

1E

Answer 3

Such inequalities continue to persist because less money is spent on schools in black areas. According to the liberal think tank, Center for American Progress, states across the country spent $334 more on white students than non-white students in schools.

Question 4

1R

Answer 4

However, there is evidence that suggests African-Americans have made socio-economic progress.

Question 5

1E

Answer 5

In the Census Bureau it showed that in 1940 it showed that 7% of black people had a high school education but 2020 it had significantly improved to the extent that 88% of African-Americans are now educated to a high school level.

Question 6

1L

Answer 6

Therefore, there is evidence that suggests that African-Americans have made progress in reducing the inequality they face, however optimism should be tempered as black people continue to lag behind whites in significant areas, particularly education.

Question 7

2P

Answer 7

The Hispanic community also experiences great inequalities when measured against other ethnic groups.

Question 8

2E

Answer 8

These can be found in education, for instance, according to the Pew Research Centre 12% of Hispanics drop out of high school in comparison with 5% of whites.

Question 9

2E

Answer 9

These can be found in education, for instance, according to the Pew Research Centre 12% of Hispanics drop out of high school in comparison with 5% of whites. Even when compared with other disadvantaged groups Hispanics do not do well in education. This is shown in research by Barbara Schneider who carried out a survey showing that 11 % of Hispanics over 25 have a degree whilst for Africans the percentage is 17.

Question 10

2E

Answer 10

The inequality experienced by this ethnic groups can be explained due to a range of factors unique to this group. According to April Grant Hispanics are disadvantaged because of high absence rates, lack of education amongst parental group and language barriers. This is possibly because Hispanics are recent migrants from Mexico and Central America. This could be compounded amongst future generations of Hispanics as only 36% of 3-5 year olds are in early childhood programmes.

Question 11

2R

Answer 11

HOWEVER, not all Hispanics experience the same levels of inequality. Cubans for instance are the most affluent of the Hispanic groups and are more likely to earn more than other groups.

Question 12

2E

Answer 12

Their status is different from Mexicans who have come to the USA in search of economic opportunities. Many Cubans are middle class asylum seekers who fled the communist rule of the Cuban dictatorship. Also, Hispanic college attainment has doubled in the last two decades as more immigrants become naturalized.

Question 13

2L

Answer 13

THEREFORE, it is clear that as a group Hispanics face great inequality in terms of educational attainment, even compared to other disadvantaged groups. However, there seems to be indications of improvement, this said, this level of education inequality is faced from early years all the way through to higher education.

Question 14

3P

Answer 14

Asian Americans as a group are less likely to face socio-economic inequality as they tend to excel in the area of education that underpins future life chances.

Question 15

3E

Answer 15

For instance, Asian Americans have higher grades and are more likely to attend college relative to whites. This shows that they don’t just exceed minority groups, but even those with advantages. This also improves
Asian American career prospects, particularly in STEM jobs where education is paramount.

Question 16

3E

Answer 16

The success in education attainment can be attributed to the importance that is placed on academic success by immigrant groups and young people’s parents and extended family. There is an expectation that children will excel and end up in a well paid job. The average income amongst the Asian community is $78,000 per annum which compares favourably with white US citizens who earn $62,000 per year on average. Asian unemployment is also lower than the national average.

Question 17

3R

Answer 17

HOWEVER, the success of the group as a whole hides the huge inequalities that exist between the Asian community.

Question 18

3E

Answer 18

This is illustrated with a comparison between Indian’s and the Burmese community, with indian’s the highest earning and Burmese the lowest earning. This is also reflected in educations between Indian’s and Cambodian’s. Nearly 75% of all Indian’s have a university degree and only 18% of Cambodian’s have the same.

Question 19

3L

Answer 19

Therefore, Asian Americans do not face the same economic and educational barriers that other minority groups do, however, there is a tendency to over simplify and look at Asians as a homogenous group when there are big differences within there.