Full Citation

Title: Simulating How Large Policy Proposals Affect the Black-White Wealth Gap

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2021

ISBN:

ISSN: 2520-842X

DOI: 10.1007/S41996-020-00077-8

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: The wealth gap between African-American and White households has persisted for decades, prompting policymakers and experts to suggest several large-scale interventions. We evaluate the possible impact of five such proposals on the Black-White wealth gap. These interventions include debt-free college, baby bonds, civil rights enforcement in housing markets, credit market regulations enforcement, and a national retirement savings plan. Using simulations anchored in data and the existing literature, we conclude that baby bonds would have the single largest effect. But a large wealth gap would remain, even if all five proposals were promptly enacted. Only targeted cash or liquid asset transfers to African-Americans can overcome the persistent wealth difference with White households.

Url: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41996-020-00077-8

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Weller, Christian E.; Maxwell, Connor; Solomon, Danyelle

Periodical (Full): Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy

Issue:

Volume: 4

Pages: 196-213

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Poverty and Welfare, Race and Ethnicity

Countries: