Downward Mobility From the Middle Class: Waking Up From the American Dream

Examines trends in Americans falling out of the middle class, ranking 20 or more percentiles below their parents, or earning 20 percent or more below their parents' real income, and contributing factors across race/ethnicity and gender

U.S. Intragenerational Economic Mobility From 1984 to 2004: Trends and Implications

Compares changes in the economic positions of 25- to 44-year-olds between 1984 and 1994 and between 1994 and 2004, in relative and absolute terms. Analyzes characteristics of those in the bottom quintile and factors that contribute to economic mobility

Work and Income Security From 1970 to 2005

Analyzes long-term trends in family income and the importance of stable full-time, full-year work in providing economic security and upward mobility, with a focus on low-income working families. Examines the factors behind upward and downward mobility

Job Differences by Race and Ethnicity in the Low-Skill Job Market

Based on a survey of employers, examines differences in wages and benefits among African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, and white workers in jobs that do not require a college degree. Compares job requirements, ages, education levels, and training

Low-Skill Jobs, Work Hours, and Paid Time Off

Based on a survey of employers, examines the scheduling demands placed on low-skill workers and the availability of sick leave, paid time off, and benefits allowing for the care of family members. Compares benefits for entry-level and next-step jobs

Job Placement Agencies and the Low-Skill Labor Market

Based on a survey of employers, assesses the use of different types of agencies to fill low-skill jobs, the types of jobs commonly filled, and employers' experiences with agencies, including the quality of the applicants and the challenges they face

Understanding the Demand Side of the Low-Wage Labor Market

Presents findings from a survey of employers on their less-skilled labor needs: who hires whom and how; with what requirements, wages, benefits, results, and factors for promotion; and what policies would help job seekers without a college education

Entry-Level and Next-Step Jobs in the Low-Skill Job Market

Based on a survey of employers, compares entry-level and next-step jobs in the non-college job market in terms of compensation, tasks, needed skills, employer types, and hiring methods. Considers how employment programs can help people get next-step jobs