Journal Article 50+ African American Workers: A Status Report, Implications, and Recommendations
Richard W. Johnson, Owen Haaga, Margaret Simms
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This report assesses the employment experiences and economic well-being of African Americans age 50 and older. Despite progress over the past three decades, these African American workers continue to struggle in the workplace. Older African American men are less likely to work than Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites, whereas older African American women are as likely to work as non-Hispanic whites and more likely to work than Hispanics. Fifty-plus African American men and women both earn less than their non-Hispanic white counterparts. The black-white earnings gap after age 50 narrowed between 1979 and 1999 but widened in the 2000s.
Research Areas Wealth and financial well-being Aging and retirement Race and equity
Tags Economic well-being Older workers Employment and income data Racial and ethnic disparities Pensions Race, gender, class, and ethnicity Women and girls Men and boys Retirement policy Racial inequities in employment
Policy Centers Income and Benefits Policy Center