Economic mobility is a double-edged sword. On one hand, a belief in economic self-determination—the ability to move up through the economic spectrum by dint of hard work—lies at the core of the American Dream. On the other hand, recent polls suggest that Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about their economic security and the risk of downward economic mobility. Here, UI researchers investigate the trends in and drivers of economic mobility and economic risk, within lifetimes and across generations.
Drivers of Economic Mobility
Changes in economic status over time are the product of individual decisions and characteristics, family relationships, and broader economic and social trends. In a series of reviews written for the Pew Economic Mobility Project, UI and affiliated researchers summarize and evaluate the literature on drivers of economic mobility.
| These literature reviews were conducted by the Urban Institute for the Pew Charitable Trusts
 |
Income Volatility
Income volatility is income mobility over the very short term. While studies of income mobility focus on changes in economic status over decades or generations, studies of volatility explore changes over periods ranging from a few years to a few months, seeking capture the income effects of short-term hardships like job loss or illness. As public debate over the economic risks shouldered by American families grows louder, UI researchers weigh in with papers assessing trends in income volatility over time.
Featured Publications
As we head towards an election in which debate over economic security and the distribution of economic gains will play a critical role, UI researchers identify and analyze emerging patterns in economic mobility and the policies aimed at promoting it.
Related Policy Centers and Projects
Latest Research
