How have sociologists and/or economists historically defined or measured "middle class" in the United States or the developed world generally? I mean over the last 100-200 years. [more inside]
posted by Wretch729 on Feb 14, 2013 - 6 answers

[Economics101Filter] How is it that the cost of living can go up, but salaries stay the same? Economics n00b questions inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 26, 2009 - 27 answers

With all the bickering over taxes in the election campaign, I'm trying to get a broader picture of US income tax history, theories behind past policies, and analysis of how they worked (in idiot friendly language). [more inside]
posted by p3t3 on Oct 17, 2008 - 4 answers

I need to better understand the proposed tax systems. Mainly the fair tax or sales tax versus an income tax. I am writing a paper for school on the viewpoints of TTARA (The Texas Taxpayers and Research Ass.) and CTJ (citizens for tax justice) but cannot gain a clear idea of what each side is proposing. Obviously the republicans want the fair tax, and since TTARA is business minded, I assume they too seek the fair tax, or at least support it. But what is the Dem idea of fair taxation? Do they want an income tax? What is all this talk on CTJ about income tax cuts? I don’t have the patience to sift through all the material so I'm hoping someone can give me a basic idea of the differing positions on the matter. Mainly answer the question of who wants what and why, and who benefits most from each plan.... Also what about the working poor, do they benefit most from an income tax? Etc. Etc.
posted by madmamasmith on May 4, 2008 - 17 answers

Are there any statistics on what portion of the US GDP is now and historically (over the past 100 or 200 years) has been spent on luxury goods? I'll refrain from defining that term and hope that any studies referenced will do the work for me. Any international comparisons would be greatly appreciated as well.
posted by shivohum on Jul 5, 2007 - 2 answers

How can income stratification in the US be changed? [more inside]
posted by mintchip on Oct 17, 2006 - 33 answers

How do shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway earn income? It seems that dividends haven't been issued since 1967. Short of selling the stock, isn't the investment "tied up"? [more inside]
posted by daksya on May 9, 2005 - 19 answers