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Multidimensional equality of opportunity in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Hufe, Paul
  • Kobus, Martyna
  • Peichl, Andreas
  • Schüle, Paul

Abstract

Is the United States still a land of opportunity? We provide new insights on this question by leveraging a novel approach that allows us to measure inequality of opportunity in the joint distribution of income and wealth. We show that inequality of opportunity in the US has increased by 58% from the cohort born in 1935 to the cohort of 1980. Increases are driven by a less opportunity-egalitarian income distribution for birth cohorts after 1950 and a less opportunity-egalitarian wealth distribution after 1960. Our findings suggest that the United States has consistently moved further away from a level playing field in recent decades.

Suggested Citation

  • Hufe, Paul & Kobus, Martyna & Peichl, Andreas & Schüle, Paul, 2025. "Multidimensional equality of opportunity in the United States," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eecrev:v:180:y:2025:i:c:s0014292125002120
    DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2025.105162
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    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion

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