The two global societal issues I would like to research are wealth disparity and species distinction. The two topics are important because their effects are spread the world over. However, for further research, I will consider the topic of wealth disparity because wealth inequality is on the rise as the bottom income bracket becomes more impoverished while the minority top bracket thrives. The impact of wealth disparities has a ripple effect that is causing education and health disparities among populations. The topic was narrowed down by weighing which of the two topics had a more widespread impact on the society and that which global citizens have a moral responsibility to remedy (Cunningham, n.d.). Wealth disparities create inequality and social injustices to certain persons which out to be eliminated.
Ways of evaluating sources
First, check the authors credential to ascertain they are experts in the field. Checking institutional affiliations, education backgrounds, and work experience can help prove an author’s expertise. Second, scholarly sources published by reputable institutions such as universities or scholarly journals. The information presented is usually vetted by a panel of experts to ascertain the credibility and accuracy of information provided (AnthroNiche, n.d.). Third, credible sources provide extensive evidence and objective reasoning to the information presented. The sources use experimental data and facts that are verifiable or use previous research to support arguments.
Summarizing sources
Saez and Zucman (2016) offer a comprehensive analysis on wealth disparity in the US drawing evidence from capitalized tax data. The authors reckon that the upsurge of top incomes and saving rate inequalities are responsible for wealth disparities experienced over the past few decades. Additionally, they provide evidence that wealth inequality is growing fast and that the wealth share owned by the middle-class shows a relative decline. The total wealth held by the wealthy is continuing to grow further fueling wealth disparities.
Heathcote, Perri, and Violante (2010) identify the period between 2006 and 1967 as recording a considerable rise in the levels of wage disparity. The authors identify the sharp change in hours worked as factors fueling income inequality. Taxation systems and economic conditions such as recessions and unemployment also fuel wealth inequalities.
Scholarly sources ought to be used to support the writing because they provide an accurate and unbiased perspective on the issue. They also provide irrefutable and verifiable evidence as to why global citizens must care about the topic.
- AnthroNiche. (n.d.). How to critically analyze information sources. AnthroNiche. Retrieved from http://anthroniche.com
- Cunningham, N. (n.d.). Choosing and narrowing a topic to write about (for research papers). Sophia. Retrieved from https://www.sophia.org
- Saez, E. & Zucman, G. (2016 February, 16.) Wealth inequality in the United States since 1913: Evidence from capitalized income tax data. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 131(2), 519-578.
- Heathcote, J. Perri, F., Violante, G. L. (2010 January). Unequal we stand: An empirical analysis of economic inequality in the United States, 1967-2006. Review of Economic Dynamics, 13(1), 15-51.
