To have an equitable distribution across the work force, 22 percent of Black workers with a college degree would have to switch occupations with white college graduates. For workers who graduated with a high school degree but lack a college degree, nearly 28 percent of either Black or white workers would have to switch jobs. The researchers called this a “dissimilarity index,” and since 2000 it has ticked up slightly for both groups. The new report notes that Black college students often major in fields that have lower wages. But the dearth of Black students in majors that lead to higher pay in careers like technology or finance, the researchers say, is a legacy of racism.

---

Persons: ”, Peter Q, Blair, Dr, “ Organizations: Harvard Graduate School of Education