Inequality in labor market outcomes: contrasting the 1980s and earlier decades

Juhn, Chinhui; Murphy, Kevin M.

Journal Article

Inequality in labor market outcomes: contrasting the 1980s and earlier decades

Abstract: The increase in wage inequality during the 1980s was exceptional, but underlying demand and supply conditions showed relatively little contrast compared to previous decades. One possible explanation is that the increased demand for skills during the 1980s was unusually concentrated among the most skilled workers rather than being spread throughout the skill distribution.

Keywords: Education; Wages; Labor market;