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Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Housing Instability During the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Role of Assets and Income Shocks

Author

Listed:
  • Yung Chun

    (Social Policy Institute, Washington University in St. Louis
    Washington University in St. Louis)

  • Stephen Roll

    (Social Policy Institute, Washington University in St. Louis
    Washington University in St. Louis)

  • Selina Miller

    (Washington University in St. Louis)

  • Hedwig Lee

    (Social Policy Institute, Washington University in St. Louis
    Washington University in St. Louis)

  • Savannah Larimore

    (Washington University in St. Louis)

  • Michal Grinstein-Weiss

    (Social Policy Institute, Washington University in St. Louis
    Washington University in St. Louis)

Abstract

Stable and adequate housing is critical to sound public health responses in the midst of a pandemic. This study explores the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on housing-related hardships across racial/ethnic groups in the USA as well as the extent to which these disparities are mediated by households’ broader economic circumstances, which we operationalized in terms of prepandemic liquid assets and pandemic-related income losses. Using a longitudinal national survey with more than 23,000 responses, we found that Black and Hispanic respondents were more vulnerable to housing-related hardships during the pandemic than white respondents. These impacts were particularly pronounced in low- and moderate-income households. We found that liquid assets acted as a strong mediator of the housing hardship disparities between white and Black/Hispanic households. Our findings imply that housing became less stable for minority groups as a result of the pandemic, particularly those households with limited liquid assets. Such housing-related disparities demonstrate the need for policies and practices that target support to economically marginalized groups and families of color in particular.

Suggested Citation

  • Yung Chun & Stephen Roll & Selina Miller & Hedwig Lee & Savannah Larimore & Michal Grinstein-Weiss, 2023. "Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Housing Instability During the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Role of Assets and Income Shocks," Journal of Economics, Race, and Policy, Springer, vol. 6(2), pages 63-81, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joerap:v:6:y:2023:i:2:d:10.1007_s41996-022-00109-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s41996-022-00109-5
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