Sexual identity, poverty, and utilization of government services

Cameron Deal (), Shea Greenberg () and Gilbert Gonzales ()
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Cameron Deal: Vanderbilt University
Shea Greenberg: Vanderbilt University
Gilbert Gonzales: Vanderbilt University

Journal of Population Economics, 2024, vol. 37, issue 2, No 16, 31 pages

Abstract: Abstract Previous literature has established that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are at least as likely to be poor as heterosexual people, standing in contrast to myths of “gay affluence.” These findings have used datasets limited by either sample size or using partnership status to infer sexual orientation. Using U.S. data from the Household Pulse Survey, which allows us to identify large samples of individuals who self-identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, we find that bisexuals have lower incomes and are more likely to experience poverty, and bisexual individuals, gay men, and lesbian women are more likely to report financial hardship. Additionally, we find that LGB people utilize government assistance at higher rates than heterosexual people, even when allowing for selection into poverty status. We propose several explanations for these differentials, drawing on the program non-participation literature, and suggest that social network effects, lessened stigma, and increased reliance on public programs may explain these differences. Finally, we examine receipt of the enhanced child tax credit and find evidence that gay men and lesbian women with children were less likely to receive it than heterosexual men and women with children.

Keywords: Poverty; Social safety net; Economic status; Sexual minority; LGBTQ; Child tax credit (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I32 I38 J1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s00148-024-01031-w

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