Money—in the form of both income and wealth is very unevenly distributed in the
United States. Money is essential for acquiring goods and services.
People without money cannot purchase food, shelter, clothing, medical care, legal aid,
education, and the other things they need or desire. Median household income varies
widely from one state to another. Among the prosperous nations, the United States is
number one in inequality of income distribution. In regard to income inequality in the
United States, sociologist Dennis Gilbert identified that in 2011, the wealthiest 20
percent of households received more than 50 percent of the total income, while the
poorest 20 percent of households received slightly more than 3 percent of all income.
Income distribution varies by race/ethnicity as well as class.