Income disparity and the need for tax reform: An interdisciplinary analysis
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Thomas Loikith
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:29 PM
Description
Income disparity among families is a systemic issue exacerbated by an entrenched global economic order and inequitable tax structures. Despite widespread recognition of these inequities, significant reforms remain elusive. The concentration of wealth among a few individuals and entities, regressive global tax systems, and inadequate social relief programs all contribute to the problem of income inequality. Neoliberal policies such as deregulation and austerity measures prioritize corporate interests over equitable economic development. Such policies widen the gap between the wealthy and the poor. Previous efforts to reform such policies have been unsuccessful. What can and should be done to reduce or eliminate income disparity and its effects? This is a complex problem requiring interdisciplinary research to achieve a more comprehensive understanding. I used qualitative research methodology, specifically textual analysis. From September 2024 through March 2025, I analyzed sources from the disciplines of law and political science, including scholarly journal articles and non-scholarly industry sources, to determine conflicting insights from each discipline. I then sought common ground between such insights, and then integrated them to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. This more comprehensive understanding leads to suggestions to resolve the problem of income disparity. My research leads me to conclude that there is an urgent need for progressive tax reforms, a global economic government that prioritizes equity, and comprehensive social policies that address systemic inequities. Without meaningful reforms, the divide between the wealthy elite and the rest of society will deepen, perpetuating cycles of poverty and undermining global stability.
Income disparity and the need for tax reform: An interdisciplinary analysis
Income disparity among families is a systemic issue exacerbated by an entrenched global economic order and inequitable tax structures. Despite widespread recognition of these inequities, significant reforms remain elusive. The concentration of wealth among a few individuals and entities, regressive global tax systems, and inadequate social relief programs all contribute to the problem of income inequality. Neoliberal policies such as deregulation and austerity measures prioritize corporate interests over equitable economic development. Such policies widen the gap between the wealthy and the poor. Previous efforts to reform such policies have been unsuccessful. What can and should be done to reduce or eliminate income disparity and its effects? This is a complex problem requiring interdisciplinary research to achieve a more comprehensive understanding. I used qualitative research methodology, specifically textual analysis. From September 2024 through March 2025, I analyzed sources from the disciplines of law and political science, including scholarly journal articles and non-scholarly industry sources, to determine conflicting insights from each discipline. I then sought common ground between such insights, and then integrated them to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the problem. This more comprehensive understanding leads to suggestions to resolve the problem of income disparity. My research leads me to conclude that there is an urgent need for progressive tax reforms, a global economic government that prioritizes equity, and comprehensive social policies that address systemic inequities. Without meaningful reforms, the divide between the wealthy elite and the rest of society will deepen, perpetuating cycles of poverty and undermining global stability.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.