HLEG thematic workshop on Economic Insecurity, 4 March 2016, New York, United States. More information at: http://oecd/hleg-workshop-on-economic-insecurity-2016
HLEG thematic workshop on Economic Insecurity, Mark Schlesinger, discussant
1. Some Brief Responses to Ariel Kalil’s
Presentation on the Impact of Subjective
Economic Insecurity
Mark Schlesinger
HLEG Workshop on Economic Insecurity
March 3, 2016
2. Key Points
Applaud: Multi-dimensionality of Subjective
Assessments, Ripple Effect Within Households
Caveat 1: Strain and Insecurity Related But Distinct
Caveat 2: Insecurity Mediated by Buffers
Caveat 3: Insecurity Influenced by Social Networks
Caveat 4: A Persisting Legacy from Past Shocks
3. Socio-Demographic Disparities in Buffers
Respondent Group
How Long Household Go
Without Added Income
How Much Can Be Borrowed
from Social Network
One Week or
Less
One Month or
Less Nothing
$5000
or Less
White 6.1% 23.5% 43.8% 59.3%
African American 14.0% 41.4% 55.7% 82.3%
4. Impact of Experienced Shocks on Risk Perceptions
Assigning Uncertain
Prospects to
a Higher Risk Stratum
Political Attitudes Experience with Event
Republicans
vs. Democrats
Conservatives
vs. Liberals
Own
Experience,
Past Year
Others
Experience,
Past Year
Own
Experience,
Before Past
Year
Losing One’s Job 0.66 1.15 1.82 1.26 0.96
Lost Work Due to Illness 0.80 1.11 1.53 1.08 1.24
Losing One’s Partner* 0.74 1.37 1.40 1.15 1.11
Large Medical Expenses 0.81 1.13 1.44 1.35 1.36
Financial Aid to Family 0.79 1.12 1.59 1.47 1.63
Housing Affordability 0.75 0.99 1.39 0.99 1.19
5. Impact of Experienced Shocks on Risk Perceptions
Assigning Uncertain
Prospects to
a Higher Risk Stratum
Political Attitudes Experience with Event
Republicans
vs. Democrats
Conservatives
vs. Liberals
Own
Experience,
Past Year
Others
Experience,
Past Year
Own
Experience,
Before Past
Year
Losing One’s Job 0.66 1.15 1.82 1.26 0.96
Lost Work Due to Illness 0.80 1.11 1.53 1.08 1.24
Losing One’s Partner* 0.74 1.37 1.40 1.15 1.11
Large Medical Expenses 0.81 1.13 1.44 1.35 1.36
Financial Aid to Family 0.79 1.12 1.59 1.47 1.63
Housing Affordability 0.75 0.99 1.39 0.99 1.19
6. Impact of Experienced Shocks on Risk Perceptions
Assigning Uncertain
Prospects to
a Higher Risk Stratum
Political Attitudes Experience with Event
Republicans
vs. Democrats
Conservatives
vs. Liberals
Own
Experience,
Past Year
Others
Experience,
Past Year
Own
Experience,
Before Past
Year
Losing One’s Job 0.66 1.15 1.82 1.26 0.96
Lost Work Due to Illness 0.80 1.11 1.53 1.08 1.24
Losing One’s Partner* 0.74 1.37 1.40 1.15 1.11
Large Medical Expenses 0.81 1.13 1.44 1.35 1.36
Financial Aid to Family 0.79 1.12 1.59 1.47 1.63
Housing Affordability 0.75 0.99 1.39 0.99 1.19