Dr. Boyce Video: Black Economic Empowerment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Zachary Rinkins is serious about money. He's been running a very popular financial blog for the past several years, and has positioned himself as one of the most respected financial bloggers in the black community. I love what Zachary is doing because he reflects a generation of young people who are interested in seeing themselves empowered through economic success.

 

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Julianne Malveaux: Surviving and Thriving During the Holidays

by Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President – Bennett College

When I look at the data that define the reality for African Americans in the economy, I am often alarmed and discouraged. One in four African American lives in poverty. Nearly one in three is out of work, according to unofficial data (official data says one in six). African Americans have lost billions of dollars worth of wealth in the foreclosure crisis. We aren't alone in our pain - our nation is hurting. But our pain is more pronounced, more acute, more debilitating.
This is hardly the first time African Americans have experienced disproportionate pain. Indeed, the story of our presence in this nation has been a story of us shouldering more than our share of economic pain. When people ask me about the wealth gap, I remind them that black folks used to be the wealth white folks accumulated. Under those circumstances, it is difficult to imagine that the wealth gap will ever be closed.

And yet we rise. I wrote my latest book, Surviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic History, to remind me, to remind all of us, that even in harsh times African Americans have been more than survivors, we have been thrivers. We have made it despite horrible conditions, despite unfairness, despite racism. The playing field has never been level, and yet we have played on the slanted field, returning, returning, and sometimes winning. In the middle of a week of running around, talking about the book in Detroit and in Chicago, I had to smile at myself with air of satisfaction and acknowledge a job well done.

 

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Wells Fargo Says It Plans to Be Nicer to Black People: Oh Really?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I got a call not too long ago. It was from Wells Fargo, the bank that has been sued by one county after another for engaging in predatory lending toward the African American community. My first question to my business manager was "What do they want? I'm probably not going to be interested." My personal negotiations with Wells Fargo didn't go very far. I had no interest in being associated with the company that many believe to have ripped billions of dollars in wealth from a community that has such little wealth to begin with. Also, after watching my grandparents lose the home they'd lived in for over 40 years, it was personal for me. I also applaud Tavis Smiley for ending his affiliation with Wells Fargo after the predatory lending allegations surfaced during the financial crisis.

You can imagine my dismay when the NAACP made a deal with Wells Fargo that led to the company immediately becoming the title sponsor of the organization's national convention this year. I spoke with NAACP President Ben Jealous about the matter, and I was ultimately left unsatisfied with the degree of transparency behind the deal. It's one thing to say that you're going into the demon's house to clean it up, but you must provide proof that you're not simply entering the house to enjoy the spoils of colluding with the demon. To date, the NAACP has not done an adequate job of describing the nature of its financial deal with Wells Fargo, and the group has also not made clear exactly how Wells Fargo is going to make up for the billions in losses that have been caused to the African American community. Having the most powerful civil rights organization in America as a "partner" effectively releases Wells Fargo from the threat of any significant criticism for their activities in the black community (other than conversations that occur behind closed doors). If this partnership is not clearly defined and empowered, Wells Fargo could hire thugs to rob old ladies in the hood and the NAACP wouldn't be able to say a thing.

 

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Should You Be Able to Sue Someone for Taking Your Fiancee?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Former NBA star Antoine Walker is being sued for $5 million dollars by a man who claims that Walker stole his fiancee. Kevin Jenkins says that he caught Walker and his fiancee in an "intimate moment," and confronted Walker about it. He said that Walker laughed in his face to deliberately cause him emotional distress.
Jenkins then says that he became so emotionally distressed that he thought about killing himself.
To date, I haven't heard of anyone being sued for cheating with another person's fiancee. However, I do know that in some states, you can be sued for cheating with someone else's spouse. These "alienation of affection" lawsuits are legal in several states: Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota and Utah.

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Dr. Boyce: Black Unemployment Keeps Going Up

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Today's release of November unemployment data is not good news for President Obama. Unemployment rose nationally to 9.8 percent, after holding steady at 9.6 percent for the previous three months. The jobless rate jumped for nearly every racial/gender demographic. White women still have the lowest unemployment rate of both genders, when comparing African Americans and whites. Black males have the highest.

Black unemployment rose again from 15.7 percent to 16 percent. This number is slightly lower than the high of 16.3 percent experienced back in August. When scaled with the white unemployment rate of 8.9 percent, the black unemployment rate is 79.8 percent higher than that of white Americans.

 

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Jack Johnson, DC County Exec and Wife Arrested for Corruption: What Can We Learn from This?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I was saddened to hear about the recent arrest of Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson and his wife Leslie. Both Jack and his wife are well-respected in the DC area. Both have served their communities for decades, and both of them represent the essence of Prince George's County, the most affluent county in the United States with an African-American majority population.
Johnson was once an important ethical and legal protector of the county, serving as its lead Prosecutor. His wife has served the community for over 30 years in numerous capacities. He was also the first African American to become County Executive in the DC area. So, why are Johnson and his wife facing up to 20 years in prison for evidence tampering and destruction of evidence, among other charges? In fact, the story is quite bizarre, with reports of the FBI allegedly recording Johnson telling his wife to put nearly $80,000 in her underwear.

 

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Former NFL Player Married to Two Women at Once

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by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

A judge in Pennsylvania recently ruled that former NFL running back Tom Sullivan's death benefits should not go to the wife he was allegedly married to after his death. Instead, the benefits should go to a woman he married years earlier, but never divorced.
Tom Sullivan's ex-wife Barbara Sullivan has two daughters with the player from their 16-year marriage. Since Tom's death in 2002, Barbara and their two daughters were receiving $2,700 per month under the NFL's spousal benefit policy. Under South Carolina's bigamy law, the benefits do not legally belong to her and were stopped immediately.

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Black Men See Biggest Dip in Unemployment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

How one analyzes the black unemployment numbers for the month of October really comes down to whether you see the glass as being half empty or half full. On one hand, most of the indicators of black unemployment went down, but they still remain remarkably high relative to the numbers for white Americans.
According to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, black unemployment dropped by .4 percentage points, from 16.1 percent to 15.7 percent. The number is still nearly double that of white unemployment, which lies at 8.8 percent.
Black male unemployment actually saw the steepest decline among all race/gender groups, dropping from 17.6 percent to 16.3 percent. The number is still 83 percent higher than white male unemployment (which is 8.9 percent).
Black women saw a slight increase in their unemployment rate, which went from 12.6 percent to 12.7 percent. The unemployment numbers for black women are 74 percent higher than those for white females (at 7.3 percent, lower than any other group in America).

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The Latest from The Invested Life – 10/29/10

 

Chicago:

(video) Tom Forde talks about whether a Roth IRA is right for him, and what he’s learned as he’s researched it:

http://bit.ly/aGO9uC

(text) while Matt Sapaula says that financial security is important, but insuring yourself is every bit as vital:

http://bit.ly/bhh8eC

Portland:

(video) Kathleen Lansing explains why her road to retirement is scary, but it makes the small business owner proud to hear about the value of her life’s work:

http://bit.ly/9XdF7n

(text) While Jenn Meacham looks back on the most important financial lesson she learned, at age fourteen:

http://bit.ly/cY3cUS

Los Angeles:

(video) Lisa and Brandon Schindelheim explain how switching roles taught her about finance, and him about he difficulties in being Mr. Mom:

http://bit.ly/bkM7w5

(text) While Candace says that’s it important to educate not only yourself about finances, but your kids as well:

http://bit.ly/aDm6yX

New York:

(text) Jennifer Sherwood explains why shopping in fancy stores might be a rush, but so is saving money:

http://bit.ly/cAQsyV

(text) While Dr. Boyce Watkins says that you don’t need to have big money to build a portfolio:

http://bit.ly/a4e8YR

Colorado:

(text) Michael Jake is glad to hear that his business has grown enough to start hiring, but has his concerns:

http://bit.ly/ajLbzk

Dallas:

(text) On our show, we’ve seen former NFL star Winfred Tubbs thinking about buying a house. In this new blog, he reveals that he’s had to scrap those plans and live in his condo instead until the real estate market improves:

http://bit.ly/bZNNn6

(text) While Ed Butowsky talks up the value of utility stocks:

http://bit.ly/cQiuZW

Miami:

(text) Suzan McDowell reveals her list of the 10 must-by priorities she can’t live without, and what she learned about herself while compiling it:

http://bit.ly/bWYiX7

(text) While Ben Tobias explains that if you don’t know what’s important to you, you’ll never effectively maximize your happiness:

http://bit.ly/9e6k3c

Is Racism an Occupational Hazard for African Americans?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Most of us know Hanes Brands as the company that has Michael Jordan peddling underwear. The company is also responsible for other leading brands such as Champion sports apparel and Playtex, among others.

The company is now in the middle of controversy after an African American employee, Yunusa Kenchi, filed suit for discrimination. An embarrassing email has allegedly surfaced in which Kenchi was referenced using the n-word. The employee has taken the case public, and Hanes has yet to respond.

 

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New Birth, Eddie Long’s Church, Gets Sued Yet Again

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

A woman who was once employed by the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is suing, alleging that other employees retaliated against her when she complained about being sexually harassed. Tama Colson filed suit in the U.S. District Court of North Georgia, with the suit asking for unspecified damages.
Colson says that another employee showed her a picture of a penis on a cell phone. She says that when she complained about the incident, other employees retaliated against her. She is claiming that the church is responsible for the harassment she experienced, as well as the retaliation and emotional distress.
"New Birth has a strict policy against sexual harassment that requires employees to report the complaint within 48 hours of the abuse," Long and church spokesman Art Franklin told CNN.
"Tama Colson's complaint allegedly happened in October of 2009," the statement said. "Although, Tama Colson was aware of the New Birth sexual harassment policy she did not make her complaint known to New Birth authorities until August of this year. New Birth moved swiftly to launch an investigation that is ongoing.”

 

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Dr. Boyce Gives More Coaching on MSN’s “The Invested Life”

 

A new episode of our MSNBC special is out.  You can watch it by clicking here.

CBC Joins Dr. Boyce Watkins in Call on Black Unemployment Issue

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

From Black America Web via Clutch Magazine

On the heels of September's mixed unemployment report, the Congressional Black Caucus renewed its call for President Barack Obama and Congress to do something to specifically address the nation's high black joblessness rate.
The country's unemployment rate remained stuck at 9.6 percent, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. The economic monthly report was a mix of good news and bad. The good: The private sector added 64,000 jobs last month. The bad: Government agencies cut 159,000 jobs, many of them federal Census workers and state and local employees.

 

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Why are Corporations Not Hiring the way we need them to?

 

Click here to watch Dr. Boyce Watkins on CNBC

Why Do Black Athletes Go Broke? Let’s Figure Out Why

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I am participating with MSN in a project called "The Invested Life." The program represents the launch of a series of web-based episodes that teach the fundamentals of investing to regular, everyday people. I've worked on the show for months, and I'll be engaged in the project for the rest of the year. It's been an interesting jump into the world of film making, with scripts, production schedules and all that good stuff. I've gained a newfound respect for how hard real actors and actresses actually have to work.
A guest on the show is a man named Winfred. Winfred is a former NFL athlete who found himself done with sports and trying to make sure that his wealth lasted until retirement. He made an interesting point that for many athletes, the challenge of retiring young with virtually no skill set can be a one way ticket to the poor house. As a man who is concerned about the plight of the black athlete, I constantly see men who've traded away their entire educational future in exchange for a very short and meaningless life of glamor in professional sports.

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Did Eddie Bernice Johnson Take Scholarships from Deserving Black Youth?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I watched 'Anderson Cooper 360' last night, and saw a black woman's face on the screen. Like most other African Americans, this was my cue to turn the volume up to find out what might be going on. As I watched Anderson stare at the screen with his piercing, cold, concerned eyes, I could see that he and his guests had made the Congressional Black Caucus their target for the night. The arrows hit the bull's-eye, and Anderson seemed to keep throwing them.

The subjects of their disdain were Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) and Sanford Bishop (D- GA). Both of the legislators are being accused of using CBC Scholarship funds as their personal family gift bag. Johnson was made into the worst of the culprits, giving $31,000 in scholarship money to her relatives. She also signed two letters written to the CBC Foundation specifically requesting that the funds be sent directly to her two grandsons and grand nephews, instead of their universities. Rep. Bishop is accused of giving three scholarships to his stepdaughter and wife's neice in 2003 and 2005.

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African American Woman Says She’s Exhausted of Defending Obama

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

A black woman stood up in the Town Hall Meeting held by President Barack Obama yesterday and made a comment that got the attention of the world. She mentioned that she was "exhausted" from trying to defend the president to his critics:
I am one of your middle class Americans and, quite frankly, I'm exhausted... I'm exhausted of defending you. I'm exhausted of defending your administration, defending the mantle of change that I voted for. And I'm deeply disappointed with where we are right now.
I have been told that I voted for a man who said he was going to change things in a meaningful way for the middle class. I am one of those people and I'm waiting sir. I'm waiting. I don't feel it yet. And I thought, while it wouldn't be in great measure, I would feel it in some small measure... And quite frankly Mr. President, I need you to answer this honestly: Is this my new reality? (Thelightnc.com)

 

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Black in America on CNN: Their Incorrect Analysis of the Black Wealth Gap

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I was recently checking out some of CNN's special, "Black in America," the show they seem to do once a year. In the series, African Americans are analyzed like lab rats in a cage, with producers highlighting every dysfunction imaginable, as if we have a monopoly on counter productive behavior. Although I've always had a good relationship with CNN, I can barely stomach some of what I see. This is not to say that black folks are perfect: but the idea that we are somehow less perfect than whites is nothing short of paternalistic, White Supremacist thinking.
The segment that threw me through the roof was one covering the wealth gap between blacks and whites. In this particular Black in America segment, CNN shows that the wealth gap between blacks and whites is $28,000 to $140,000, with whites being the leaders. They then go on to state that African Americans save and invest less than whites. I give a "check" on most of these numbers, I have no problem with the data.

 

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Black Scholars Watkins and Metzler on CNBC – 9/15/10

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Black Scholars Dr. Boyce Watkins and Dr. Christopher Metzler Discuss "Keeping The Bush Tax Cuts" on CNBC

Dr. Boyce Writes an Open Letter to President Obama on AOL Black Voices

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

Dear Mr. President,

I write this letter with all due respect to yourself, as well as the office of the presidency. Your historic rise up the political ladder has been nothing short of inspirational, and your extraordinary vision has positioned you as one of the most celebrated leaders in the history of the United States. As a fellow scholar and African American male, I applaud your achievements. I am especially excited about how you, Michelle, and your beautiful daughters present such a magnificent image of the African American family.
While the black community remains inspired by your achievements and overwhelmingly sympathetic to your challenges from conservatives, there are concerns that the economic plight of black Americans has not been a priority for the Obama Administration. To be sure, opinions on this matter are far from unanimous. But the numbers tell a story that needs to be heard.

 

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Black Relationships 101: What’s Up With Black Couples?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University – Scholarship in Action 

I have a theory that I've wondered would hold up to empirical scrutiny. My theory is that there are quite a few women who might be willing to settle for part of a good man rather than having 100% of a mediocre man. For example, men like Tiger Woods might have more girlfriends than most of us can count, and some would wonder if any of those women expect him to be committed to just one person. Not to say that I condone one lifestyle over another, but we all know how things go down in the real world.

 

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When You Die, Who’s Responsible For Your Debts?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

 

You are going to live forever.  Death is beneath you.  Those who depend on you financially will always be able to rely on your immortality as a guaranteed source of financial security.  I hope you don’t think I’m lying, being sarcastic or sounding flat out silly. Perhaps you do.

Ok yes, I was being silly.  But the reality is that most of us are equally ridiculous when it comes to our perception of death and how our sudden passing could financially ruin those who care about us.   Death doesn’t care how many appointments you have, how many projects you’re working on, or how many plans you have for the future.  It just takes you, and it’s always at the least convenient time.  That’s the nature of the Grim Reaper, who might not be nearly as malicious as the bill collectors seeking to get their money back after you’re gone.  
While comprehensive financial planning is beyond the scope of this article, I can share a few tips on dealing with debt in the event of your death.  This information could help you when dealing with a deceased relative, and it should also be shared with your relatives in case you pass on unexpectedly. 

 

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Dr. Boyce Watkins: How to Teach Your Kids About Money

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

Given that our children are likely our greatest expense and greatest love, perhaps it might be helpful to discuss how we teach them about money.  If you raise your kids to be financially responsible, they can be assets to you during retirement.  If they are taught about money in the wrong way, they become horrible economic liabilities that leave you riddled with guilt.  So, although I don’t claim to know everything about child rearing, I thought I’d share some guidelines you might want to consider when it comes to teaching your kids about money.

 

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Diddy's Son Gets a $350,000 Car - Is that too much?

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Some think it's too much that Diddy's son got a $350,000 car for his 16th birthday - do you agree?

Did Gary Coleman's Wife Kill Him?

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Did Gary Coleman get murdered by his wife? ;

Do Tiny and Toya Promote Prison Love?

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Is it right for the BET Show, Tiny and Toya to overromanticize prison life? ;

LeBron James' Mother and Her Son's Teammate: Overkill?

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Is it right for LeBron James to be so distracted by the rumor that his mother is sleeping with his teammate?

Tiger Woods' Wife Asks for $750 Million - Is She Crazy?

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Dr. Boyce and Tia discuss Tiger Woods' wife, Elin Nordegren and her reportedly asking Woods for $750 million in the divorce settlement

Dr. Boyce Watkins on ABC News - Love and Money Questions to ask Your Partner

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Finance Professor - Syracuse University

As a Finance Professor, I find it incredibly ironic that many people get married without talking about money. They talk about every kind of compatibility from emotional, to spiritual, sexual, and professional, but they seldom take the time necessary to ensure that they can tolerate the idea of sharing their financial life with a person who may not be on the same page. This problem is compounded in black relationships, where many women describe economic hurdles as one of the reasons that black women have trouble finding the right mate.

 

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Dr. Boyce on ABC News: Asking the right questions of your partner

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What questions should you ask your partner before you marry them?

Dr. Boyce Watkins Talks About Financial Effects of Divorce on ABC

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Dr. Boyce Watkins Talks About Financial Effects of Divorce on ABC

Dr. Boyce Watkins on ABC News: Love, Money and Divorce

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Watch Dr Boyce Watkins, Finance Professor at Syracuse University on ABC News discussing money and divorce - how to do it the right way.

Doing The Tiger-Tiki: Black Athletes Who Cheat

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Doing The Tiger-Tiki: Black Athletes Who Cheat

Black News: Homeowners Walking Away from Mortgages

updated 12:25 a.m. ET, Wed., Feb. 3, 2010

In 2006, Benjamin Koellmann bought a condominium in Miami Beach. By his calculation, it will be about the year 2025 before he can sell his modest home for what he paid. Or maybe 2040.

“People like me are beginning to feel like suckers,” Mr. Koellmann said. “Why not let it go in default and rent a better place for less?”

After three years of plunging real estate values, after the bailouts of the bankers and the revival of their million-dollar bonuses, after the Obama administration’s loan modification plan raised the expectations of many but satisfied only a few, a large group of distressed homeowners is wondering the same thing.

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Woman Puts Cheater's Face on Billboards

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Dr. Boyce and S. Tia Brown discuss the woman who puts cheater's face on billboards

Beyonce and Her Rapping Husband – As Rich as they Wanna Be

What makes more than an uber-celebrity who earns millions per movie, album, or TV season? Two uber-celebrities who just happen to be married. Forbes is always giving us a behind-the-scenes peek at famous finances—don't tell us you weren't surprised by the top-earning dead celebrities—and their latest list shows the famous couples who made the most from June 2008 to June 2009. Topping the list—actually, clobbering the list (they made almost twice what the #2 couple grossed)—are Jay-Z andBeyonce. Together, they banked $122 million smackeroos. Interestingly, Beyonce is the one who brought home the most bacon—she earned $87 million to his $35 million. Also notable: While this is a massive amount of money, it's actually much less than these two made last year, when they pulled in $162 million cumulatively.

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Black News: Study Finds Financial Benefits to Marriage

Historically, marriage was the surest route to financial security for women. Nowadays it's men who are increasingly getting the biggest economic boost from tying the knot, according to a new analysis of census data.

The changes, summarized in a Pew Research Center report being released Tuesday, reflect the proliferation of working wives over the past 40 years — a period in which American women outpaced men in both education and earningsgrowth. A larger share of today's men, compared with their 1970 counterparts, are married to women whose education and income exceed their own, and a larger share of women are married to men with less education and income.

"From an economic perspective, these trends have contributed to a gender role reversal in the gains from marriage," wrote the report's authors, Richard Fry and D'Vera Cohn.

 

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Why Black Women Are Not Getting Married

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Dr. Boyce Watkins and S. Tia Brown discuss some of the reasons that Black women are deciding not to get married.

Why Black Women Are Not Getting Married

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Dr. Boyce Watkins and S. Tia Brown discuss some of the reasons that Black women are deciding not to get married.