A column in the New York Times observes that the growing trend of 'assortative mating' is a

Question:

A column in the New York Times observes that the "growing trend of 'assortative mating' is a major cause of income inequality."
a. What is assortative mating?
b. How can assortative mating contribute to income inequality?
c. If assortative mating is a major cause of income inequality, what are the likely consequences for government policies intended to reduce income inequality?