Equality

BACK TO THE STATE OF OPPORTUNITY IN AMERICA FULL REPORT.
For more information on the methodology used, please visit this page. This data were most recently updated on January 26, 2010.

Ensuring equal opportunity means not only ending intentional discrimination, but also removing historic barriers to opportunity. Many equality indicators saw an increase in opportunity during the time period reviewed. However, the increase in opportunity was largely due to men or white Americans (the standard comparison groups) experiencing a larger decline in the assessed indicator, rather than being due to progress on the part of women and people of color. This caused various gaps between men and women and between various racial/ethnic groups to decrease, despite a lack of absolute progress for any group.

The wage gap, for example is a crucial indicator of equality. In 2008, a gender wage gap remained, but opportunity increased because, while male income did not increase, Asian women made some strides toward closing their gap. Asian women were the only group to experience a wage increase during this time.

Race and ethnicity wage gaps continued as well. The wage gaps between African Americans and whites and Latinos and whites remained constant during this time in large part because groups experienced similar declines in wages. In the same time period, the gap between white median family income and Asian American median family income decreased.

Regarding asset-building, a significant gap persists between whites and non-whites, and it increased between 2004 and 2007. Gaps in educational achievement are also key indicators of equality. The gap in high school dropout rates between African Americans and whites decreased while the gap between Latinos and whites increased. However, the race and ethnicity gap in high school degree attainment decreased between Latinos and whites. In terms of college degree attainment, the gender gap between men and women increased.

Our overall assessment indicates that equality of opportunity was mixed for the years examined.

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Indicator	2009 Update	Supporting Data
Gender Gap in Poverty: measures the differences between the number and percentage of females living in poverty to males. (Note: racial data was not available.)¹		Although more women than men live in poverty, the gender gap in poverty decreased significantly between 2007 and 2008. Therefore, opportunity in this area increased. Men 2008: 12.0%, or 17.7 million men 2007: 11.1%, or 16.3 million men Change: increased 8.1%, or 1.4 million Women 2008: 14.4%, or 22.1 million women 2007: 13.8%, or 21.0 million women Change: increased 4.3%, or 1.2 million women Gender Gap 2008: women were 1.2 times (120.0%) as likely as men to live in poverty Gender Gap 2007: women were 1.2 times (124.3%) as likely as men to live in poverty Change in Gap: decreased 3.5% SIGNIFICANT: YES
Racial/Ethnic Poverty Gaps: measures the differences between the number and percentage of racial and ethnic groups living in poverty to whites living in poverty. (Note: numbers may not add up due to rounding.)²		The poverty gap between blacks and whites decreased significantly, while the gaps increased between all other groups and whites from 2007 to 2008. Therefore, opportunity in this area was mixed. Whites 2008: 8.6%, or 17.0 million whites 2007: 8.2%, or 16.0 million whites Change: increased 4.9% or 1.0 million whites Blacks 2008: 24.7% of blacks, or 9.4 million blacks 2007: 24.5% of blacks, or 9.2 million blacks Change: increased 0.82%, or 0.14 million blacks Racial/Ethnic Gap 2008: blacks were 2.9 times (287.2%) as likely as whites to live in poverty Racial/Ethnic Gap 2007: blacks were 3.0 times (298.8%) as likely as whites to live in poverty Change in Gap: decreased 3.9% SIGNIFICANT: YES Hispanics 2008: 23.2% of Hispanics, or 11.0 million Hispanics 2007: 21.5% of Hispanics, or 9.9 million Hispanics Change: increased 7.9%, 1.1 million Hispanics Racial/Ethnic Gap 2008: Hispanics were 2.7 times (269.8%) as likely as whites to live in poverty Racial/Ethnic Gap 2007: Hispanics were 2.6 times (262.2%) as likely as whites to live in poverty Change in Gap: increased 2.9% SIGNIFICANT: YES Asians 2008: 11.8% of Asians, or 1.6 million Asians 2007: 10.2% of Asians, or 1.3 million Asians Change: increased 15.7%, or 0.23 million Asians Racial/Ethnic Gap 2008: Asians were 1.4 times (137.2%) as likely as whites to live in poverty Racial/Ethnic Gap 2007: Asians were 1.2 times (124.4%) as likely as whites to live in poverty Change in Gap: increased 10.3% SIGNIFICANT: YES American Indians/Alaska Natives 2008: 27.1% of AI/AN, or 0.77 million AI/AN 2007: 23.7% of AI/AN, or 0.65 million AI/AN Change: increased 14.3%, or 0.12 million AI/AN Racial/Ethnic Gap 2008: AI/AN were 3.2 times (315.1%) as likely as whites to live in poverty Racial/Ethnic Gap 2007: AI/AN were 2.9 times (289.0%) as likely as whites to live in poverty Change in Gap: increased 9.0% SIGNIFICANT: YES

Indicator

2009 Update

Supporting Data

Gender Gap in Poverty: measures the differences between the number and percentage of females living in poverty to males. (Note: racial data was not available.)¹

Although more women than men live in poverty, the gender gap in poverty decreased significantly between 2007 and 2008. Therefore, opportunity in this area increased.

Men

2008: 12.0%, or 17.7 million men
2007: 11.1%, or 16.3 million men
Change: increased 8.1%, or 1.4 million

Women

2008: 14.4%, or 22.1 million women
2007: 13.8%, or 21.0 million women
Change: increased 4.3%, or 1.2 million women
Gender Gap 2008: women were 1.2 times (120.0%) as likely as men to live in poverty
Gender Gap 2007: women were 1.2 times (124.3%) as likely as men to live in poverty
Change in Gap: decreased 3.5%
SIGNIFICANT: YES

Racial/Ethnic Poverty Gaps: measures the differences between the number and percentage of racial and ethnic groups living in poverty to whites living in poverty. (Note: numbers may not add up due to rounding.)²

The poverty gap between blacks and whites decreased significantly, while the gaps increased between all other groups and whites from 2007 to 2008. Therefore, opportunity in this area was mixed.

Whites

2008: 8.6%, or 17.0 million whites
2007: 8.2%, or 16.0 million whites
Change: increased 4.9% or 1.0 million whites

Blacks

2008: 24.7% of blacks, or 9.4 million blacks
2007: 24.5% of blacks, or 9.2 million blacks
Change: increased 0.82%, or 0.14 million blacks
Racial/Ethnic Gap 2008: blacks were 2.9 times (287.2%) as likely as whites to live in poverty
Racial/Ethnic Gap 2007: blacks were 3.0 times (298.8%) as likely as whites to live in poverty
Change in Gap: decreased 3.9%
SIGNIFICANT: YES

Hispanics

2008: 23.2% of Hispanics, or 11.0 million Hispanics
2007: 21.5% of Hispanics, or 9.9 million Hispanics
Change: increased 7.9%, 1.1 million Hispanics
Racial/Ethnic Gap 2008: Hispanics were 2.7 times (269.8%) as likely as whites to live in poverty
Racial/Ethnic Gap 2007: Hispanics were 2.6 times (262.2%) as likely as whites to live in poverty
Change in Gap: increased 2.9%
SIGNIFICANT: YES

Asians

2008: 11.8% of Asians, or 1.6 million Asians
2007: 10.2% of Asians, or 1.3 million Asians
Change: increased 15.7%, or 0.23 million Asians
Racial/Ethnic Gap 2008: Asians were 1.4 times (137.2%) as likely as whites to live in poverty
Racial/Ethnic Gap 2007: Asians were 1.2 times (124.4%) as likely as whites to live in poverty
Change in Gap: increased 10.3%
SIGNIFICANT: YES

American Indians/Alaska Natives

2008: 27.1% of AI/AN, or 0.77 million AI/AN
2007: 23.7% of AI/AN, or 0.65 million AI/AN
Change: increased 14.3%, or 0.12 million AI/AN
Racial/Ethnic Gap 2008: AI/AN were 3.2 times (315.1%) as likely as whites to live in poverty
Racial/Ethnic Gap 2007: AI/AN were 2.9 times (289.0%) as likely as whites to live in poverty
Change in Gap: increased 9.0%
SIGNIFICANT: YES

U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, “Historical Poverty Tables – People,” Table 7, available at http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/histpov/perindex.html.
U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, “Historical Poverty Tables – People,” Table 24, available at http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/histpov/perindex.html.

Indicator	2009 Update	Supporting Data
Gender Wage Gap: measures the differences between median incomes of full-time, year-round female workers by race and ethnicity and all men’s median income in 2008 dollars.¹		The wage gap between males and Hispanic females increased significantly while the gap between males and Asian females decreased significantly between 2007 and 2008, meaning opportunity was mixed in this area. The wage gap for other groups did not significantly change. Male 2008: $47,779 2007: $48,000 Change: decreased 0.46%, or $221 Female 2008: $36,688 2007: $37,557 Change: decreased 2.3%, or $869 Gender Gap 2008: female median wage was 76.8% of male median wage Gender Gap 2007: female median wage was 78.2% of male median wage Change in Gap: increased 1.9% SIGNIFICANT: NO White Females 2008: $39,470 2007: $40,164 Change: decreased 1.7%, or $694 Gender Gap 2008: white female median wage was 82.6% of male median wage Gender Gap 2007: white female median wage was 83.7% of male median wage Change in Gap: increased 1.3% SIGNIFICANT: NO Black Females 2008: $32,186 2007: $31,805 Change: decreased 1.9%, or $619 Gender Gap 2008: black female median wage was 67.4% of male median wage Gender Gap 2007: black female median wage was 68.3% of male median wage wage Change in Gap: increased 1.4% SIGNIFICANT: NO Hispanic Females 2008: $27,441 2007: $28,197 Change: increased 2.7%, or $756 Gender Gap 2008: Hispanic female median wage was 57.4% of male median wage Gender Gap 2007: Hispanic female median wage was 58.7% of male median wage Change in Gap: increased 2.2% SIGNIFICANT: YES Asian Females 2008: $44,208 2007: $42,902 Change: increased 3.0%, or $1,306 Gender Gap 2008: Asian female median wage was 92.5% of male median wage Gender Gap 2007: Asian female median wage was 89.4% of male median wage Change in Gap: decreased 3.5% SIGNIFICANT: YES
Gender Wage Gap by Education Level: measures differences between median female income at various education levels and men’s median income at those education levels in 2008 dollars.²		The gender wage gap for individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent significantly fell between 2007 and 2008. However, the gender wage gap did not significantly change for the other education levels. Therefore opportunity increased in this area. High School Diploma or Equivalent Male 2008: $30,879 Male 2007: $32,541 Change: decreased 5.1%, or $1,662 Female 2008: $18,293 Female 2007: $18,860 Change: decreased 3.0%, or $567 Wage Gap 2008: female median wage was 59.2% of male median wage Wage Gap 2007: female median wage was 58.0% of male median wage Change in Gap: decreased 2.2% SIGNIFICANT: YES Some College, No Degree Male 2008: $37,297 Male 2007: $38,886 Change: decreased 4.1%, or $1,589 Female 2008: $23,252 Female 2007: $24,436 Change: increased 4.8%, or $1,184 Wage Gap 2008: female median wage was 62.3% of male median wage Wage Gap 2007: female median wage was 62.8% of male median wage Change in Gap: increased 0.79% SIGNIFICANT: NO Bachelor’s Degree or More Male 2008: $63,277 Male 2007: $64,819 Change: decreased 2.4%, or $1,542 Female 2008: $40,801 Female 2007: $42,276 Change: decreased 3.5%, or $1,475 Wage Gap 2008: female median wage was 64.5% of male median wage Wage Gap 2007: female median wage was 65.2% of male median wage Change in Gap: increased 1.1% SIGNIFICANT: NO
Racial/Ethnic Wage Gap in Median Individual Income: measures the differences between individual median racial and ethnic group incomes and white incomes in 2008 dollars for individuals 15 years of age and over.³		Between 2007 and 2008, the wage gaps did not significantly change between whites and any racial/ethnic group. Therefore, opportunity in this area was relatively constant. Whites 2008: $29,006 2007: $30,237 Change: decreased 4.1%, or $1,231 Blacks 2008: $21,923 2007: $22,729 Change: decreased 3.5%, or $806 Wage Gap 2008: black median wage was 75.6% of white median wage Wage Gap 2007: black median wage was 75.2% of white median wage Change in Gap: decreased .55% SIGNIFICANT: NO Hispanics 2008: $20,767 2007: $21,964 Change: decreased 5.4%, or $1,197 Wage Gap 2008: Hispanic median wage was 71.6% of white median wage Wage Gap 2007: Hispanic median wage was 72.6% of white median wage Change in Gap: increased 1.4% SIGNIFICANT: NO Asians 2008: $30,552 2007: $32,061 Change: decreased 4.7%, or $1,509 Wage Gap 2008: Asian median wage was 1.1 times (105.3%) the white median wage Wage Gap 2007: Asian median wage was 1.1 times (106.0%) the white median wage Change in Gap: increased 0.66% SIGNIFICANT: NO
Racial/Ethnic Gap in Median Family Income: measures the differences between median racial and ethnic group family incomes by all family types and median white family income by all family types in 2008 dollars.⁴		Between 2007 and 2008, family median income gaps between Asians and whites significantly decreased, but did not significantly change between whites and other groups. Therefore, opportunity in this area increased. Whites 2008: $70,070 2007: $72,624 Change: decreased 3.5%, or $2,554 Blacks 2008: $39,879 2007: $41,685 Change: decreased 4.3%, or $1,806 Income Gap 2008: black family median income was 56.9% of white family median income Income Gap 2007: black family median income was 57.4% of white family median income Change in Gap: increased 0.85% SIGNIFICANT: NO Hispanics 2008: $40,466 2007: $42,125 Change: decreased 3.9%, or $1.659 Income Gap 2008: Hispanic family median income was 57.8% of white family median income Income Gap 2007: Hispanic family median income was 58.0% of white family median income Change in Gap: increased 0.44% SIGNIFICANT: NO Asians 2008: $73,578 2007: $80,097 Change: increased 0.53%, or $404 Income Gap 2008: Asian family median income was 1.1 times (105.0%) white family median income Income Gap 2007: Asian family median income was 1.1 times (110.3%) white family median income Change in Gap: decreased 4.8% SIGNIFICANT: YES
Racial Gap in Median Household Wealth: the gap between blacks and whites in total median net worth, i.e. household assets minus debts.⁵		Black median household wealth remains substantially lower than white median household wealth. However, the black-white gap in median household wealth did not significantly change between 2001 and 2004, meaning opportunity in this area was stagnant. Whites 2004: $118,300 2001: $113,500 Change: increased 4,2%, or $4,800 Blacks 2004: $11,800 2001: $11,400 Change: increased 3.5%, $400 Wealth Gap 2004: black median household wealth was 10.0% of white median household wealth Wealth Gap 2001: black median household wealth was 10.0% of white median household wealth Change in Gap: decreased 0.69% SIGNIFICANT: NO
Racial Gap in Households with Zero or Negative Net Wealth: the gap between blacks and whites with zero or negative net worth, i.e. household assets minus debts.⁶		Although there continue to be more black households with zero or negative net worth than white households, the rate of black households with zero or negative net worth significantly decreased between 2001 and 2004. Therefore, the black-white gap in households with zero or negative net worth decreased significantly during this time period, meaning opportunity increased in this area. Whites 2004: 13.0% 2001: 13.1% Change: decreased 0.8% Blacks 2004: 29.4% 2001: 30.9% Change: decreased 4.9% Zero Net Wealth Gap 2004: blacks were 2.3 times (226.2%) as likely as whites to have zero or negative net wealth Zero Net Wealth Gap 2001: blacks were 2.4 times (235.9%) as likely as whites to have zero or negative net wealth Change in Gap: decreased 4.1% SIGNIFICANT: YES
Racial Gap in Median Wealth: the gap between whites and non-whites in total median value of net worth.⁷		Between 2004 and 2007, the gap in median value of net worth for whites and non-whites significantly increased. Therefore, opportunity in this area declined during this time period. Whites 2007: $170,400 2004: $154,500 Change: increased 10.3%, or $15,900 Non-Whites 2007: $27,800 2004: $27,200 Change: increased 2.2%, or $600 Wealth Gap 2007: non-white median wealth was 16.3% of white median wealth Wealth Gap 2004: non-white median wealth was 17.6% of white median wealth Change in Gap: increased 7.3% SIGNIFICANT: YES

U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, “Historical Poverty Tables – People,” Table P-36, Accessed on 8 December 2009 at http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/histinc/incpertoc.html.
U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, “Historical Poverty Tables – People,” Table P-16, Accessed on 8 December 2009 at http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/histinc/incpertoc.html.
U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, “Historical Poverty Tables – People,” Table P-2, P-4, Accessed on 8 December 2009 at http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/histinc/incpertoc.html.
U.S. Bureau of the Census, Current Population Survey, Annual Social and Economic Supplement, “Historical Poverty Tables – People,” Table F5, Accessed on 8 December 2009 at http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/income/histinc/incpertoc.html.
L. Mishel at al., The State of Working America: 2008-2009, Economic Policy Institute, galley edition, 2008. Pg. 271.
L. Mishel at al., The State of Working America: 2008-2009, Economic Policy Institute, galley edition, 2008. Pg. 271.
Federal Reserve Board, 2007 Survey of Consumer Finances, "Chartbook" (Washington: The Federal Reserve Board, 2009), pg 54 http://www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/oss/oss2/2007/scf2007data.html.

Indicator	2009 Update	Supporting Data
Male Racial Gap in the Criminal Justice System: measures the differences between the rate of incarcerated men of color to the rate of incarcerated white men.¹		The gap in the incarceration rate between black males and white males increased significantly between 2006 and 2007, while the gap in the incarceration rate between Hispanic males and white males did not significantly change during this time. Therefore, opportunity in this area decreased. White Males – Number Incarcerated* 2007: 471,400 2006: 478,800 Change: decreased 1.5%, or 7,400 white males White Males – Rate of Incarceration 2007: 481 white males per 100,000 white males 2006: 487 white males per 100,000 white males Change: decreased 1.2% Black Males – Number Incarcerated* 2007: 556,900 2006: 535,100 Change: increased 4.1%, or 21,800 black males Black Males - Rate of Incarceration 2007: 3,138 black males per 100,000 black males 2006: 3,042 black males per 100,000 black males Change: increased 3.2% Incarceration Gap 2007: 6.5 times (652.4%) as many black males as white males Incarceration Gap 2006: 6.2 times (624.6%) as many black males as white males Change in Gap: increased 4.4% SIGNIFICANT: YES Hispanic Males – Number Incarcerated* 2007: 301,200 2006: 291,000 Change: increased 3.5%, or 10,200 Hispanic males Hispanic Males - Rate of Incarceration 2007: 1,259 Hispanic males per 100,000 Hispanic males 2006: 1,261 Hispanic males per 100,000 Hispanic males Change: decreased 0.16% Incarceration Gap 2007: 2.6 times (261.7%) as many Hispanic males as white males Incarceration Gap 2006: 2.6 times (258.9%) as many Hispanic males as white males Change in Gap: increased 1.1% SIGNIFICANT: NO *Total number incarcerated does not include those in local jails.
Female Racial Gap in the Criminal Justice System: measures the differences between the rate of incarcerated women of color to the rate of incarcerated white women.²		The gap in the incarceration rate between black women and white women and between Hispanic women and white women decreased significantly between 2006 and 2007. Therefore, opportunity in this area increased. White Females – Number Incarcerated* 2007: 50,500 2006: 49,200 Change: increased 2.6%, or 1,300 white females White Females – Rate of Incarceration 2007: 50 white females per 100,000 white females 2006: 48 white females per 100,000 white females Change: increased 4.2% Black Females – Number Incarcerated* 2007: 29,300 2006: 28,600 Change: increased 2.4%, or 700 black females Black females - Rate of Incarceration 2007: 150 black females per 100,000 black females 2006: 148 black females per 100,000 black females Change: increased 1.4% Incarceration Gap 2007: 3.0 times (300.0%) as many black females as white females Incarceration Gap 2006: 3.16 times (315.6%) as many black females as white females Change in Gap: decreased 2.7% SIGNIFICANT: YES Hispanic Females – Number Incarcerated* 2007: 17,600 2006: 17,500 Change: increased 0.57%, or 100 Hispanic females Hispanic Females - Rate of Incarceration 2007: 79 Hispanic females per 100,000 Hispanic females 2006: 81 Hispanic females per 100,000 Hispanic females Change: decreased 2.5% Incarceration Gap 2007: 1.6 times (158.0%) as many Hispanic females as white females Incarceration Gap 2006: 1.7 times (168.8%) as many Hispanic females as white females Change in Gap: decreased 6.4% SIGNIFICANT: YES *Total number incarcerated does not include those in local jails.

Indicator

2009 Update

Supporting Data

Male Racial Gap in the Criminal Justice System: measures the differences between the rate of incarcerated men of color to the rate of incarcerated white men.¹

The gap in the incarceration rate between black males and white males increased significantly between 2006 and 2007, while the gap in the incarceration rate between Hispanic males and white males did not significantly change during this time. Therefore, opportunity in this area decreased.

White Males – Number Incarcerated*

2007: 471,400
2006: 478,800
Change: decreased 1.5%, or 7,400 white males

White Males – Rate of Incarceration

2007: 481 white males per 100,000 white males
2006: 487 white males per 100,000 white males
Change: decreased 1.2%

Black Males – Number Incarcerated*

2007: 556,900
2006: 535,100
Change: increased 4.1%, or 21,800 black males

Black Males - Rate of Incarceration

2007: 3,138 black males per 100,000 black males
2006: 3,042 black males per 100,000 black males
Change: increased 3.2%
Incarceration Gap 2007: 6.5 times (652.4%) as many black males as white males
Incarceration Gap 2006: 6.2 times (624.6%) as many black males as white males
Change in Gap: increased 4.4%
SIGNIFICANT: YES

Hispanic Males – Number Incarcerated*

2007: 301,200
2006: 291,000
Change: increased 3.5%, or 10,200 Hispanic males

Hispanic Males - Rate of Incarceration

2007: 1,259 Hispanic males per 100,000 Hispanic males
2006: 1,261 Hispanic males per 100,000 Hispanic males
Change: decreased 0.16%
Incarceration Gap 2007: 2.6 times (261.7%) as many Hispanic males as white males
Incarceration Gap 2006: 2.6 times (258.9%) as many Hispanic males as white males
Change in Gap: increased 1.1%
SIGNIFICANT: NO

*Total number incarcerated does not include those in local jails.

Female Racial Gap in the Criminal Justice System: measures the differences between the rate of incarcerated women of color to the rate of incarcerated white women.²

The gap in the incarceration rate between black women and white women and between Hispanic women and white women decreased significantly between 2006 and 2007. Therefore, opportunity in this area increased.

White Females – Number Incarcerated*

2007: 50,500
2006: 49,200
Change: increased 2.6%, or 1,300 white females

White Females – Rate of Incarceration

2007: 50 white females per 100,000 white females
2006: 48 white females per 100,000 white females
Change: increased 4.2%

Black Females – Number Incarcerated*

2007: 29,300
2006: 28,600
Change: increased 2.4%, or 700 black females

Black females - Rate of Incarceration

2007: 150 black females per 100,000 black females
2006: 148 black females per 100,000 black females
Change: increased 1.4%
Incarceration Gap 2007: 3.0 times (300.0%) as many black females as white females
Incarceration Gap 2006: 3.16 times (315.6%) as many black females as white females
Change in Gap: decreased 2.7%
SIGNIFICANT: YES

Hispanic Females – Number Incarcerated*

2007: 17,600
2006: 17,500
Change: increased 0.57%, or 100 Hispanic females

Hispanic Females - Rate of Incarceration

2007: 79 Hispanic females per 100,000 Hispanic females
2006: 81 Hispanic females per 100,000 Hispanic females
Change: decreased 2.5%
Incarceration Gap 2007: 1.6 times (158.0%) as many Hispanic females as white females
Incarceration Gap 2006: 1.7 times (168.8%) as many Hispanic females as white females
Change in Gap: decreased 6.4%
SIGNIFICANT: YES

*Total number incarcerated does not include those in local jails.

Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin, Prisoners in 2007, December 2008, Table 5-6, available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/p07.pdf.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Bulletin, Prisoners in 2007, December 2008, Table 5-6, available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/p07.pdf.

Indicator	2009 Update	Supporting Data
Gender Gap - High School Dropout Rate: measures the gap between 16- to 24-year-old males and females who are not enrolled in school and who have not completed a high school program regardless of when they left school.¹		Between 2006 and 2007, the gender gap in the high school dropout rate significantly increased. Therefore, opportunity in this area decreased. Men (16-24 yr. olds) 2007: 9.8% 2006: 10.3% Change: rate decreased 4.9% Women (16-24 yr. olds) 2007: 7.7% 2006: 8.3% Change: rate decreased 7.2% Dropout Gap 2007: the female dropout rate was 78.5% of the male dropout rate Dropout Gap 2006: the female dropout rate was 80.6% of the male dropout rate Change in Gap: increased 2.5% SIGNIFICANT: YES
Racial Gap - High School Dropout Rate: measures the gap between 16- to 24-year-blacks and whites and Hispanics and whites who are not enrolled in school and who have not completed a high school program regardless of when they left school.²		Between 2006 and 2007, the racial gap in the high school dropout rate significantly decreased between blacks and whites and significantly increased between Hispanics and whites. Therefore, opportunity in this area was mixed. Whites (16-24 yr. olds) 2007: 5.3% 2006: 5.8% Change: rate decreased 8.6% Blacks (16-24 yr. olds) 2007: 8.4% 2006: 10.4% Change: rate decreased 21.5% Dropout Gap 2007: the black dropout rate was 1.6 times (158.5% higher) the white dropout rate Dropout Gap 2006: the black dropout rate was 1.8 times (184.5% higher) the white dropout rate Change in Gap: decreased 14.1% SIGNIFICANT: YES Hispanics (16-24 yr. olds) 2007: 21.4% 2006: 22.1% Change: rate decreased 3.2% Dropout Gap 2007: the Hispanic dropout rate was 4.0 times (403.8% higher) the white dropout rate Dropout Gap 2006: the Hispanic dropout rate was 3.8 times (381.0% higher) the white dropout rate Change in Gap: increased 6.0% SIGNIFICANT: YES
Gender Gap - High School Degree Attainment: measures the gap between men and women between the ages of 25 and 29 who have received a high school diploma or equivalent.³		Between 2007 and 2008, the gender gap in high school degree attainment between the ages of 25 and 29 did not significantly change. Therefore, opportunity in this area remained stagnant. Men (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 85.8%, or 9.2 million 2007: 84.9%, or 8.9 million Change: rate increased 1.08% Women (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 89.9%, or 9.3 million 2007: 89.1%, or 9.1 million Change: rate increased 0.80% Degree Gap 2008: the rate of women with HS degrees was 1.0 times (104.7% higher) that of men Degree Gap 2007: the rate of women with HS degrees was 1.0 times (105.0% higher) that of men Change in Gap: decreased 0.27% SIGNIFICANT: NO
Racial Gap - High School Degree Attainment: measures the gap between blacks and whites and Hispanics and whites between the ages of 25 and 29 who have received a high school diploma or equivalent.⁴		Between 2007 and 2008, the racial gap in high school degree attainment between the ages of 25 and 29 significantly decreased between Hispanics and whites, but did not significantly change between blacks and whites. Therefore, opportunity in this area increased. Whites (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 93.7%, or 11.8 million 2007: 93.5%, or 11.5 million Change: rate increased 0.2% Blacks (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 87.6%, or 2.4 million 2007: 87.7%, or 2.3 million Change: rate decreased 0.13% Degree Gap 2008: blacks were 93.4% as likely as whites to have a HS degree Degree Gap 2007: blacks were 93.8% as likely as whites to have a HS degree Change in Gap: decreased 0.34% SIGNIFICANT: NO Hispanic (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 64.8%, or 2.9 million 2007: 65.0%, or 2.7 million Change: rate increased 5.2% Degree Gap 2008: Hispanics were 73.0% as likely as whites to have a HS degree Degree Gap 2007: Hispanics were 69.5% as likely as whites to have a HS degree Change in Gap: decreased 4.9% SIGNIFICANT: YES
Gender Gap - College Degree Attainment: measures the gap between men and women between the ages of 25 and 29 who have received at least a bachelor’s degree.⁵		Between 2007 and 2008, the gender gap in college degree attainment for individuals between the ages of 25 and 29 significantly increased between men and women. Therefore, opportunity in this area declined. Men (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 26.8%, or 2.9 million 2007: 26.3%, or 2.7 million Change: rate increased 2.0% Women (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 34.9%, or 3.6 million 2007: 33.1%, or 3.4 million Change: rate increased 5.5% Degree Gap 2008: the rate of women with college degrees was 1.3 times (130.1% higher) that of men Degree Gap 2007: the rate of women with college degrees was 1.2 times (125.8% higher) that of men Change in Gap: increased 3.4% SIGNIFICANT: YES
Racial Gap - College Degree Attainment: measures the gap between blacks and whites and Hispanics and whites between the ages of 25 and 29 who have received at least a bachelor’s degree.⁶		Between 2007 and 2008, the racial gap in college degree attainment between the ages of 25 and 29 did not significantly change between blacks and whites or between Hispanics and whites. Therefore, opportunity in this area was stagnant. Whites (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 37.1%, or 4.7 million 2007: 35.5%, or 4.4 million Change: rate increased 4.6% Black (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 20.4%, or 0.55 million 2007: 19.5%, or 0.51 million Change: rate increased 4.6% Degree Gap 2008: blacks were 55.0% as likely as whites to have a bachelor’s degree Degree Gap 2007: blacks were 54.9% as likely as whites to have a bachelor’s degree Change in Gap: decreased 0.09% SIGNIFICANT: NO Hispanic (25-29 yr. olds) 2008: 12.4%, or 0.53 million 2007: 11.6%, or 0.49 million Change: rate increased 6.6% Degree Gap 2008: Hispanics were 33.3% as likely as whites to have a bachelor’s degree Degree Gap 2007: Hispanics were 32.7% as likely as whites to have a bachelor’s degree Change in Gap: decreased 1.9% SIGNIFICANT: NO

National Center on Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics, 2008, Table 109, available at http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009020.pdf.
National Center on Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics, 2008, Table 109, available at http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009020.pdf.
National Center on Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics, 2007 and 2008, Table 9, available at http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07/tables/dt07_009.asp and http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009020.pdf.
National Center on Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics, 2007 and 2008, Table 9, available at http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07/tables/dt07_009.asp and http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009020.pdf.
National Center on Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics, 2007 and 2008, Table 9, available at http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07/tables/dt07_009.asp and http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009020.pdf.
National Center on Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics, 2007 and 2008, Table 9, available at http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d07/tables/dt07_009.asp and http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009020.pdf.

Primary links

Equality - State of Opportunity

Equality

Men