Race, Gender, and the Recession: Job Creation and Employment

In this study, we analyze proposed spending and resource allocation in each of the major policy areas. Then, we carefully compare the proposals to the economic and social conditions of communities of color to better understand and predict how communities will be directly impacted by the Reinvestment Act.

The recession is having a devastating effect on individuals, families and communities across the country. Record unemployment rates and a sharp decline in wages and opportunities for unskilled workers, coupled with the foreclosure and housing crisis, have made it difficult economically. For those who were already straddling the line between poverty and economic stability, the deepening economic crisis has pushed them over the edge.  

Women of color and their communities have been hit hardest by the recession. With fewer assets and savings paired with lower earnings compared to their White counterparts, racial and ethnic minorities will have a difficult time riding out the economic storm. In fact, many communities of color were doing poorly before the crisis gripped the nation and their situation has only worsened over the last 14 months.

To read the full report, click here.