In a column in the Washington Post, Roger Lowenstein wrote, Raising mobility should be a priority—and as a guide to policy, it is less controversial, and less politicized, than [reducing] inequality. . . . But taxing the wealthy to pay for social goods [such as improved schooling] is different from targeting the [income] gap . . . as the problem. One approach uses government to level, the other to promote opportunity and advancement.
a. What is social mobility? Briefly explain whether you agree that increasing social mobility is likely to be a less controversial policy goal than reducing income inequality.
b. What does Lowenstein mean by using the government to “level”? How can the government use taxes to target income inequality?