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Land of Opportunity? Economic Mobility in the United States

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  • Kartik B. Athreya
  • Jessica Sackett Romero

Abstract

Income inequality has increased in recent years, while economic mobility has decreased. Many factors contribute to mobility, but for most people advancement depends on opportunities to obtain human capital ? opportunities that are not as good for children in poor families. Initiatives that focus on early childhood education seem to yield high returns on investment and potentially could help the United States achieve a more inclusive prosperity.

Suggested Citation

  • Kartik B. Athreya & Jessica Sackett Romero, 2013. "Land of Opportunity? Economic Mobility in the United States," Richmond Fed Economic Brief, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, issue July.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedreb:00002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    wages; inequality;

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