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The racial/ethnic gap in financial literacy in the population and by income

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  • Marco Angrisani
  • Sergio Barrera
  • Luisa R. Blanco
  • Salvador Contreras

Abstract

We investigate the determinants of the racial/ethnic gap in financial literacy in the general population and within income classes, with a focus on childhood family circumstances and neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics. Our model explains 48% and 57% of the observed gap for Blacks and Hispanics, respectively. For both groups, differences in individual characteristics and neighborhood socioeconomic status contribute the most to the explained gap. The White–Minority gap narrows when moving from low‐ to high‐income classes, but the ability of the model to explain it decreases monotonically. Identifying which additional barriers put minorities at a disadvantage is key to improve financial literacy.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Angrisani & Sergio Barrera & Luisa R. Blanco & Salvador Contreras, 2021. "The racial/ethnic gap in financial literacy in the population and by income," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 39(3), pages 524-536, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:39:y:2021:i:3:p:524-536
    DOI: 10.1111/coep.12507
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    2. Blanco, Luisa R. & Hernandez, Isaias & Thames, April D. & Chen, Lucia & Serido, Joyce, 2023. "Mind your money: A community-based digital intervention for improving financial capability among Hispanics," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 629-643.
    3. Esther Yin-Nei Cho, 2024. "A qualitative investigation of financial decision-making and enabling factors among ethnic minority young adults in Hong Kong," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    4. Vitor Leone & Piers Thompson, 2024. "Financial literacy and advice perceptions among UK higher education students: an ethnicity tale?," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 709-781, June.

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