Income inequality has been increasing in the United States over the past 25 years. Many argue that rising inequality is not a serious issue because income or social mobility reduces inequality and increases well-being. These observers point to studies showing considerable upward mobility. This...

Several studies have found mortality differences by income level — higher income individuals tend to live longer — and these differences have been growing over time. This differential mortality could affect measured cohort income inequality because the bottom of the income distribution will...