Purpose
After completing this assignment you will have demonstrated the following Module #4 Learning Objectives:
Evaluate recent changes in social mobility, class polarization, tax policies and other measures of economic inequality and their impact on society.
Analyze various features of the American stratification system and compare/contrast these features with alternative models both historically and cross-culturally.
Highlight the government policy dimension of capitalism and economics and it’s influence on stratification and other sociological problems related to race, class or gender.
Assigned Reading
Please only use the following assigned reading as you respond to the writing prompt below:
Heiner (2016) Download Heiner (2016)- chapter two
Submission Format Guidelines
For this assignment you need to adequately answer the prompt below using both the assigned reading and your critical thinking skills.
All responses must be typed and conform to the following format: 12 PT. font, Times New Roman style, 1 inch margins (on all sides), double-spaced. Your response must be at least 500 to 900 words.
Only “.doc” and “.docx” file extensions (Microsoft Word) may be uploaded into Canvas. No other file types are permitted.
Responses should be written in paragraph form and should be long enough to explore the topic thoroughly. Do not use bullet-points.
Furthermore, the information you present should be taken exclusively from the assigned reading above and your understanding of the reading. Only cite the assigned article/chapter. Do not cite the module notes, screencast videos or other chapters/articles not listed in this assignment. Be sure to reference and cite the material directly (and substantially).
All citations must follow the ASA style guide in order to receive full points. Visit the ASA Style Guide page for more details on how to cite your source work!
Your response must include direct (i.e., “in-text”) citation of the required material. Direct citations are those that directly reference (i.e., “quote”) the source work using the author’s name, year and page number.
Failure to cite the specified reading is defined as plagiarism and will result in a grade of zero.
No works cited page/bibliography page is required for this assignment. See the Class Reading Bibliographic Information page for course material works cited information.
Writing Prompt
Explain how the American tax system has gone from “progressive” to “regressive” over the past 4 decades. As you explain the “regressive” system, please outline what Heiner means by the “effective tax rate” and how this leads to tax regression. Please provide at least 2 specific corporate examples of this process from Heiner’s chapter (e.g. General Electric, Walgreens, Apple). What is “investment income” and how does this help explain the regressive nature of the current tax system? Finally, please explain how the current tax system increases inequality and weakens macroeconomic growth (i.e. GDP) potential for the overall society. In doing so, focus on the issue of “consumption” (as specifically outlined in the chapter section titled “Inequality: Bad for Business”).
Grading Rubric
Point Value = 10 points
Note- a 3-point penalty will be assessed for any assignment submitted past the stated deadline. Assignments submitted 24 hours or more after the deadline will not be accepted for credit. See the syllabus contract for more information.
Both accuracy and creativity will be taken into account during the grading process. Writing style and structure are also key elements that will partly determine your grade. Please refer to the rubric below for more details on how your response will be graded.
Content and Accuracy (5 points)
Provides an accurate and detailed explanation of how the American tax system has shifted from “progressive” to “regressive” over the past four decades by directly citing information from the chapter (0.5 points)
Provides a clear and detailed explanation of Heiner’s concept of the “effective tax rate” and how it contributes to tax regression in the American tax system by directly citing the chapter (1 point)
Provides at least two specific corporate examples by directly citing Heiner’s chapter that illustrate how the effective tax rate has contributed to the regressive nature of the tax system (1 point)
Provides a clear and detailed explanation/definition of “investment income” and how it contributes to the regressive nature of the tax system by directly citing the chapter (1 point)
Provides a clear and detailed explanation of how the current tax system increases inequality and weakens macroeconomic growth potential, with a focus on the issue of “consumption” by directly citing the chapter section titled “Inequality: Bad for Business” (1.5 points)
Development (1 point)
Develops ideas with sufficient depth and detail (0.5 points)
Provides specific evidence to support arguments (0.5 points)
Organization (1 point)
Presents ideas in a clear and logical manner (0.5 points)
Uses effective transitions between ideas (0.5 points)
Writing Conventions/Mechanics (3 points)
Uses proper grammar, spelling, sentence structure and punctuation (1 point)
Properly uses the ASA style guide to cite the required source work (1 point)
Failure to cite the specified reading is defined as plagiarism and will result in a grade of zero.
Follows the assignment formatting guidelines (1 point)
