Is there too much economic inequality?

Across income groups, U.S. adults are about equally likely to say there is too much economic inequality. But upper- (27%) and middle-income Americans (26%) are more likely than those with lower incomes (17%) to say that there is about the right amount of economic inequality. These views also vary by income within the two party coalitions.

What is economic inequality?

A basic definition of economic inequality refers to the disparities in incomes and wealth in a society. Most Americans believe in meritocracy, the idea that people advance in wealth and status through hard work, not privilege, but inequality of opportunity can limit upward mobility. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted economic inequalities.

What drives economic inequality?

A big driver of economic inequality is a persistent wealth and income gap observed between men and women and with whites and non-whites.