Wealth inequality: Ethnic disparities in Israeli society

Moshe Semyonov*, Noah Lewin-Epstein

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

64 Scopus citations

Abstract

This reserach examines wealth distribution across ethnic groups in Israel and evaluates the role of labor market rewards and intergenerational transfers in producing ethnic disparities. Israel SHARE data from 2005-2006 are used in the analyses. The findings reveal considerable ethnic disparities in wealth. Wealth disparities are most pronounced when Israeli-born Jews are compared with Arabs and with immigrants from the Former Soviet Union. Further analysis suggests that wealth buildup in Israel is influenced by two major sources: income flows and inheritance. The differential impact of the two sources on wealth disparities can be best understood when considering the unique position of each ethnic group in Israeli society.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)935-959
Number of pages25
JournalSocial Forces
Volume89
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2011

Funding

FundersFunder number
Israeli Science Foundation

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