Your task for this paper is to analyze public opinion about economic inequality in the United States using the survey question found. This question is taken from the General Social Survey, and the General Social Survey Figures.
First, how would you describe public opinion on economic inequality in the United States from looking at the figures provided below? From these figures, describe the state of opinion now, overall and by subgroup. Describe how public opinion has changed, overall and by subgroup.
Second, discuss why public opinion on economic inequality may differ among different portions of the population. Your answer should draw on Table 5.2 from the Bianco and Canon text that discusses the role of group identity in political socialization.
Third, imagine that you were asked to revise and re-run the survey.
A) Discuss two additional questions you could ask about public opinion on economic inequality. These questions should ask for new information that extends what we know from the figures already. In your paper, you should word the questions exactly as you would in the ‘real’ survey.
B) Discuss why this information be helpful or important to know.
C) Explain how you worded the question and answers to avoid pitfalls of question wording, and indicate what type of sample you would want to use in your revised survey.
