The many ways to measure economic inequality
Just what is “economic inequality”? Depends on whom you ask.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
Just what is “economic inequality”? Depends on whom you ask.
Last year an estimated 20.6 million people — 30% of all hourly, non-self-employed workers aged 18 and older in the U.S. — earned above the applicable minimum wage in their state but less than the proposed $10.10/hour minimum.
The restaurant and food service industry is the single biggest employer of near-minimum workers, employing 3.75 million near-minimum workers, about 18% of the total.
Perhaps surprisingly, not very many people earn minimum wage, and they make up a smaller share of the workforce than they used to.
U.S. employment has become more concentrated in the largest occupational categories, and well-paying jobs account for a smaller share of those large categories than they did a decade or so ago.
The current federal minimum wage falls below the poverty threshold for most households. A new CBO report says raising the minimum will increase income for millions of low-wage workers but cost thousands their jobs.
A New York Times chart illustrates disparities in income growth between the U.S. and other advanced economies.
A summary of where Americans stand on ten key issues likely to come up in President Obama’s State of the Union address.
With issues of economic inequality becoming more prominent, a “5 Facts” primer.
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