One of the clearest indications of rising inequality between the rich and poor is the ratio between what CEOs make and what workers make.
In 1991, the CEO to Worker pay ratio first exceeded 100, and it continued to rise throughout the 90's, eventually reaching over 200 in 1999.
If you took % from 's CEO's salary, you'd have $, and if you split that equally among all the employees of that company, they'd get $ each. , the CEO, would be left with $.
When looking at the history of minimum wage, many only consider the nominal minimum wage in absolute dollar values. However, if you adjust the minimum wage for inflation, the effective minimum wage has been mostly declining (or remaining level) since the late 1960s.
Not only are American workers earning less, but the gap between those who have gone to college and those who haven't is increasing.
"In 1979, the average college graduate made 38% more than the average high school graduate, according to the Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke. Now the average college graduate makes more than 75% more."
The Gini ratio can range from 0 to 1. The most unequal society conceivable would be where one person receives 100% of total income. This would be given a Gini ratio of 1.
If everyone received an equal share, it would receive a 0.