With fresh data on income, wealth, earnings, residential segregation by income, and other topics, The American Class Structure describes a consistent pattern of growing inequality in the United States since the early 1970s. Focusing on the socioeconomic core of the American class system, Gilbert addresses why class and inequality disparities are ever increasing by examining changes in the economy, family life, and politics in search of an answer-with a praised writing style that readily draws students into the debate.