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The Evolution of Labor Market Disparities between Hispanic and non-Hispanic Men: 1970-2019

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  • Ioannis Kospentaris

    (Department of Economics, VCU School of Business)

  • Leslie S. Stratton

    (Department of Economics, VCU School of Business)

Abstract

We describe how ethnic disparities in the labor market between prime aged Hispanic and non-Hispanic white men have evolved over the last 50 years. Using data from the March CPS, the Census, and the ACS, we examine several employment and earning outcomes. Hispanics have experienced sizable gains to employment: from a negative 2% prior to 1990 to a positive 4% after 2010 compared to non-Hispanics. In terms of earnings, Hispanics face a substantial negative disparity between 20% and 30% with some improvement after 2000. Most of the employment gain is driven by those with less than a high school degree, while the earnings disparity increases with education. Comparing Hispanic immigrants with natives reveals much of the employment and earnings gains are attributable to Hispanic immigrants, particularly immigrants not fluent in English.

Suggested Citation

  • Ioannis Kospentaris & Leslie S. Stratton, 2022. "The Evolution of Labor Market Disparities between Hispanic and non-Hispanic Men: 1970-2019," Working Papers 2203, VCU School of Business, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:vcu:wpaper:2203
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Hispanics; ethnicity; disparities; earnings; employment; education; immigration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing

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