Race, gender and retirement income

Meesook Kim, Purdue University

Abstract

Drawing on both individualistic (human capital and status attainment) and structural (dual economy and class analysis) theoretical orientations, this study compares employment and retirement income determination for a national sample of Social Security Recipients. There is a substantial amount of income variation not only when respondents were in the paid labor force, but also in retirement. Income determination processes are similar for whites and nonwhites, and for men and women. Human capital in terms of formal education is lower for nonwhites, but higher for women. It directly, positively affects income from all four sources examined, and also serves as an important intervening variable, reducing the income disadvantage of nonwhites but not of women. Even after controlling for individualistic factors, structural factors affect income. Core sector employment, which is less likely for nonwhites and women, increases employment income and pension income. Self-employment, which is less highly for women, decreases pension income, but increases asset income. From the findings are drawn policy implications for promoting greater equality throughout the life cycle among race and gender groups in the U.S.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Perrucci, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology|Gerontology

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