Explanatory Synthesis - Essay Example

Explanatory Synthesis Explanatory Synthesis The articles “Middle of the by the Economist, “A Great Time to Be Alive” by Matt Yglesias and “Born Poor and Smart by Angela Locke explore fundamental issues concerning the economy, political processes and sociological phenomena. The economic themes are seen in the challenges that characterize the society especially the middle class people. The sociological themes are evident in the interrelationships between different persons while the political challenges are evident in the rules and actions that govern the society.

There are numerous economic struggles that characterize the society, especially failure to succeed and meet basic needs. Locke remembers her mother especially the struggles that she went through while bringing her up. The author’s mother was an industrious woman who worked at the E-Z Bargain Center to earn a descent living (Locke, 2013). She also protected the family by supporting her husband. Additionally, she did all the domestic chores faithfully and found the time to teach the author how to read.

Matt Yglesias addresses the economic challenges that characterize the US. The taxation system is currently faulty making it difficult for the poor to flourish. The system should be altered for the rich pay more taxes than the average Americans should. The taxes should create opportunities for future generations from poor families. Mathew believes that such an option will allow America to rectify its current economic situation. The financial challenges in the United States have trickled down to the family unit because the Economist indicates that in the last quarter-century, after 2nd WW, income growth in USA was evenly spread.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the poorest Americans watched as their income increased at the same level as the richest Americans (The Economist, 2005). However, things changed because the rich seems to be doing very well compared to the poor. The income for the median family has risen by 18% while the income for the richest has gone up by 200%. The poorest who form the majority of the population has received only 5.4% increase (The Economist, 2005). Social stratification is a significant theme that is seen in the three articles.

Locke uses her personal story to illustrate the concept of social stratification when she says that knowledge and intelligence were significantly lacking among the poor. This made it difficult for them to succeed because they cooperated with the rich who were knowledgeable about issues affecting their lives. For example, Locke’s mother did menial jobs for a long time and failed to enhance her position in the job industry (Locke, 2013). Attending college gave Locke advantages especially a better social class though she did not fit in due to class struggles.

Matt Yglesias indicates the government should raise its tax standards and employ new methods of taxing the rich. The government would then use this new wealth to provide useful services to other individuals to reduce social stratification (Yglesias, 2005). The gap between the rich and poor is partly caused by poor systems that make it difficult to distribute wealth evenly. According to the author, such new funds will provide quality childcare and education to the general population. Any excess revenue would settle recession that Americans are currently facing.

The goal of the article is to create a safe country with excellent schools, well-paved streets and a healthy environment (Yglesias, 2005). The economist indicates that differences in the rate of income make USA unusual. For example, the rate of income for rich Americans compared to the British and France is Three times yet they have always been at the same level economically. This means that rich in USA would continue being rich while the poor who work harder languish in poverty leading to social stratification (The Economist, 2005).

Conclusively, social stratification makes it difficult for people belonging to the lower classes to access resources. The three articles highlight the need for formulating policies in order to alleviate the poor economic and social conditions. Angela Locke focuses on oppression that arises from the political class. She states that her mother was philosophical because she believed people would be subject to oppression if they agreed. Locke uses her own life experience to show the poor can improve their lives through policies and education.

The political dimension by Yglesias is evident when he questions the taxation policy. He indicates that taxing the rich offers short-term solutions that do not solve the main cause of recession. Secondly, rising up tax brackets would scare away the much-needed investors who ought to help USA come out of recession (Yglesias, 2005). Lastly, it is unfair to rectify inequality by punishing individuals basing on their passed records of being rich. The government should come up with effective methods such as utilizing available mineral resources and reducing the funds spent on the military to create a better economy for everyone (Yglesias, 2005).

The economist affirms that the government should reform the way schools are financed and poor students should receive free College and University education. If these measures were put in place, then America would maintain its spirit of creating equal opportunity for everyone (The Economist, 2005). The major themes that cut across the three articles include economic struggles, social stratification and possible solutions to challenges affecting society. The gap between the affluent and poor seem to be rising significantly.

However, the government is in the process of formulating new policies and rules to alleviate poverty.