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Title: Integrating occupational standing into analyses of life-course economic disparity, by race/ethnicity
Citation Type: Conference Paper
Publication Year: 2015
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Abstract: Stark disparities exist in late-life economic security between U.S. racial/ethnic groups, with minority elders consistently exhibiting lower levels. These differences can be partially mitigated by eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in life-course income. Previous research has identified shifting relationships between demographics of race/ethnicity and worklife income, but these studies have not integrated occupational standingthe relative status of people who share an individuals occupational classification. We use 2000 Decennial Census and 2005-2013 American Community Survey data to investigate these forces, focusing on Latinos. Using a mid-working age population (aged 30-50), three measures of occupational standing are analyzed, derived from: earnings, educational attainment, and combined earnings and education. A hierarchy emerged between racial/ethnic groups across all three markers: Asians consistently scored the highest, followed by non-Latino whites (NLWs), non-Latino blacks, and finally Latinos. Trajectories, however, depended on the metric used. For NLWs and Latinos, the combined earnings/education measure was flat, the education measure improved (17% NLWs; 24% Latinos), and the earnings measure dropped (-1% NLWs; -7% Latinos); for both non-Latino blacks and Asians, increases were seen on all three measures. Among Latinos, improvements were seen for both U.S.-born and naturalized citizens, with greater improvements among naturalized citizens. Non-citizen Latinos saw a drop in both the earnings (-22%) and combined earnings/education (-14%) measures, but a 25% increase in the education measure. By better understanding occupational standing trends, racial/ethnic disparities can be targeted for policy interventions. More parity in occupational standing can help minimize income differences and improve racial/ethnic minorities prospects for economic security in retirement.
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Authors: Galdamez, G; Gassoumis, Z D; Wilber, K; Torres-Gil, F
Conference Name: GSA Annual Scientific Meeting
Publisher Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Data Collections: IPUMS USA
Topics: Aging and Retirement, Labor Force and Occupational Structure, Migration and Immigration, Poverty and Welfare, Race and Ethnicity
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