Sources of the Family Income Differentials among Hispanics, Blacks, and White Non-Hispanics

Abstract

Data from the 1976 US Census Bureau Survey of Income & Education are used to analyze family income differentials among five major Hispanic-American groups (Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Central & South Americans, & "other Spanish"), black non-Hispanics, & white non-Hispanics. Total family income is first classified by its four major sources: earnings of a M head of household, earnings of a wife or F, earnings of other family members, & property or transfer income. Next, each potential source of intergroup differences (family structure, LF participation, weeks employed, hours worked per week, & wage rates) is analyzed for M & F earnings. For each factors the ratio of each minority group's average value to that of white non-Hispanics is computed to determine where income gaps arise. In order to adjust for group differences in demographic composition, Fisher's ideal index is also computed for factors exhibiting sizable gaps. 5 Tables, 3 Appendixes, 11 References. HA