Income Inequality as a Barrier to Economic Growth

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between income inequality and economic growth. Drawing on existing literature and empirical data, we analyze the effects of income inequality on the US GDP using statistical methods such as linear modeling. Our results show that high levels of income inequality are a barrier to sustained economic growth, as the concentration of wealth in a few individuals limits overall consumer spending and investment. Additionally, we find that income inequality exacerbates social and political instability, leading to further negative consequences for economic growth. We conclude that addressing income inequality through policy interventions such as progressive taxation and redistribution is essential for promoting long-term economic prosperity and equity in the United States. Our research contributes to the ongoing discourse on income inequality and its implications for economic growth and highlights the need for evidence-based policy solutions to address this pressing issue.