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The Working Poor--A Statistical Artifact?

Author

Listed:
  • Catherine J. Weinberger

    (Department of Economics, University of California, Santa Barbara)

  • Marlene Kim

    (Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, Rutgers University)

Abstract

We examine the effect of measurement error on estimates of the size of the working poor population. Using a unique data set, which includes both self-reported and employer-reported earnings, we find that inaccurately reported earnings are common. Among those with very low self-reported earnings are many individuals with underreported earnings. However, this is offset by a high incidence of over reporting among those who actually have low earnings. We find that, by fortunate coincidence, these counterbalancing sources of measurement error cancel each other out exactly. Estimates of the working poor population based on self-reported earnings are extremely accurate. This result is robust to changes in the designated poverty threshold.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine J. Weinberger & Marlene Kim, 1999. "The Working Poor--A Statistical Artifact?," Eastern Economic Journal, Eastern Economic Association, vol. 25(2), pages 155-167, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:eej:eeconj:v:25:y:1999:i:2:p:155-167
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    File URL: http://web.holycross.edu/RePEc/eej/Archive/Volume25/V25N2P155_167.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Bedard, Kelly & Cho, Insook, 2010. "Early gender test score gaps across OECD countries," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 348-363, June.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Earnings; Poor;

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty

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