While the average American CEO earns 42 times more than low-level employees, top managers currently earn 531 times more than average workers. The class struggles described by Marx in his economic theories played a fundamental role in widening the income gap (Royce, 2015). Existing economic policies, such as free trade, mean that the upper classes can quickly supply their products around the world. On the other hand, it is mainly low-income families who benefit from increased competition which forces local businesses to reduce the prices of their products. However, these advantages do not have a direct impact on the wealth statuses of disadvantaged families. Solutions to Social Challenges Facing Low- and Middle-Income Classes Marx believed that strategies such as progressive taxes, public education, and comprehensive economic policies could reduce social injustices (Martin and Pimentel, 2014). US policymakers also apply similar measures to curb the various challenges facing disadvantaged populations. For example, it introduced social security and anti-poverty programs that include tax refunds, food stamps, unemployment benefits and other financial support services. According to the CBPP (2016), policies such as the earned income and child tax credit, taxes enable more than 27 million low-income families to access food, adequate housing, and education and high quality healthcare. Economic incentives further encourage low-wage workers to enroll in higher education programs which in turn increase their chances of achieving higher economic and social positions. However, various dysfunctions and inefficiencies that characterize American economic systems result in misappropriation of... ... middle of paper ... probability of growth not only due to inadequate governance styles but also due to the reluctance of the authorities concerned to resolve the crisis. Elite families have created strong networks with influential personalities from all over the world. This form of modern slavery means that disadvantaged families cannot compete favorably with elite families for limited economic and social opportunities. Like the 19th century proletariat, modern low-income American families lack the capital, land, and adequate business skills to start their own businesses. As a result, most of the bottom 25% of the income distribution are always willing to take low-paying jobs. While CEOs, CEOs and major shareholders create policies that allow them to obtain lucrative compensation packages, dividends and other shares of profits.