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The changing U.S. income distribution: facts, explanations, and unresolved issues


Abstract: This paper explores the increase in income inequality since the late 1970s, with emphasis on wage inequality. The growth in wage inequality for men and women separately is documented and updated. Changes resulting from a rising education and experience premium are distinguished from those attributable to widening within-group inequality. These findings are then placed in the context of the existing literature on explanations for widening inequality.

Keywords: Income distribution;

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Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Part of Series: Research Paper

Publication Date: 1998

Number: 9811