A Comprehensive Analysis of Sex and Race Inequities in Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Authors

Melissa Latimer, West Virginia University

Keywords

Gender, inequities, racial inequities, unemployment, unemployment insurance, benefits, distribution of benefits, social insurance benefits

Abstract

This research makes a unique contribution to the growing body of literature on the welfare system by examining the relationship between sex, race, and social insurance benefits in a rural state. Using data from the West Virginia Unemployment Compensation Program, this research investigates sex and race differences in (1) monetary disqualifications for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and (2) separation issue and nonseparation issue disqualifications of UI benefits. The analyses indicate that unemployed women, people of color, younger, and low income workers are the most likely to fail the monetary qualifications for UI benefits and to lose qualified weeks of UI benefits.

Recommended Citation

Latimer, Melissa (2003) "A Comprehensive Analysis of Sex and Race Inequities in Unemployment Insurance Benefits," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 30: Iss. 4, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.2940
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol30/iss4/6