The gap between the rich and poor in the United States has been widening for some time. In recent years, the gap has been the widest since our government began to keep records on it in 1947”. For example, one report states that: “Since 2009, 95% of U.S. economic gains have gone to the wealthiest 1% of the population” (“Income Inequality: Why Does the Gap Keep Widening?” The Week Feb. 7, 2014).

Think about the growing income inequality in the U.S. think about the widening gap between the rich and the rest of us in America, How has the economic trend for middle-class Americans affected them? How as it affected you?

Two examples of the marketization of society today that Sandel discusses are cash for grades and pay for getting around long lines. What, if anything, is wrong with these practices? Beyond what Sandel discusses, think of at least one social, personal, or relational good or value that you think would be negatively affected by marketization. And explain why.