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What are the true wealth disparities in the United States? Why are our perceptions of inequality, particularly pertaining to race, so shockingly inaccurate? In this Social Science Bites podcast, Professor Jennifer Richeson discusses her work on economic inequality in the United States and common misconceptions about the extent to which this inequality exists. While the actual percentage has improved slightly since 2016, Richeson explains that 'the average Black family had about 10 percent of the wealth of the average white family . . . the important thing is that it's a huge, staggering gap that has been persistent for 50 to 60 years'.Interestingly, estimates given by the average American will usually calculate the inequality gap to sit around 65 or 70 percent. Black Americans will give a more accurate estimate than white Americans; however, these estimates are 'still really wrong'. Furthermore, Richeson's data and research findings replicate previous research results in the field.Richeson goes on to explain, 'Part of the reason we're so wrong is because we really believe that since the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, things have gotten dramatically better and are continuing to get better'. The more an individual has belief in a more tolerant and just society, the more optimistic, and therefore more incorrect, their estimates will be. This may account for the average Black American's more accurate estimates, as they are the individuals who are experiencing the struggles and consequences of the inequalities. Political party affiliation also has a role to play; the more conservative an individual, for instance, the more belief they will have that the world is acceptable the way it is already.But why is this important? The stark misconceptions about economic and political disparity have a significant impact on individual and societal well-being. They expose the work that needs to be done to progress and to dismantle the disparities that exist within society.

Race discrimination --- Economic aspects --- United States --- Race relations.

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Sociology of culture --- Sociology of the family. Sociology of sexuality --- Poetry --- Literature --- Race --- Gender --- Poetry --- CD --- Plath, Sylvia --- Rich, Adrienne C. --- Sexton, Anne --- Brooks, Gwendolyn --- anno 1900-1999 --- United States of America