Ethnicity and Childhood Vulnerability: Their Relation to Poverty and Inequality in Young Adulthood

Background and Purpose

To gain a deeper understanding of the reasons for poverty and inequality in young adulthood, leveraging administrative data can offer fresh insights and guide welfare policy directions. A literature review suggests a pressing need for a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between factors that render young adults more vulnerable and their capacity to accomplish various life tasks. The objectives of this study were twofold: (1) to describe the situation of young adults from different ethnic groups in Israel in a variety of life domains, and (2) to investigate the childhood factors associated with the integration of young adults into various life domains.

Methods

The research population comprised 525,292 young people resident in Israel who were born in 1987, 1990, 1993, and 1998. The Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics created the dataset based on administrative data from the relevant governmental ministries (education, police, welfare, etc.). The study provides data on four significant milestones for young adults: 1) High school graduation at 19; 2) Beginning post-secondary education at age 24; 3) Completing studies at age 27; 4) Integration into the labor force at age 30. The study employed various statistical methods using SAS, R, and ISQL software to conduct descriptive statistics and logistical regressions. A series of logistical regressions identified several key variables related to the ability of young people to acquire academic or post-secondary education, achieve employment, as well as obtain services from welfare agencies.

Results

Two ethnic groups, young Arabs and young people of Ethiopian origin, showed significant inequalities in their childhood situations and also in their achievements in adulthood. Among other things, they are more often recognized by social welfare services due to poverty and economic distress both in childhood and adulthood, and also have higher rates of residential care institutionalization in childhood.

The regression analysis revealed that care by a school attendance officer in childhood and marriage as a minor were negatively related to obtaining a post-secondary education. Being recognized by the welfare services and involvement in crime as a minor were also associated with low achievements in education and a higher chance of obtaining services from the welfare agencies as an adult.

Parental education was a significant predictor of achieving higher education, and better educational achievements in high school predicted a higher chance of various achievements in adulthood, such as obtaining a post-secondary certificate and employment at the ages of 24 and 27. In the regression models, being a member of a minority group often contributed less than other variables to achieving important life tasks.

Conclusions and implications

The findings suggest that the disparities in achievements among young people of different ethnicities stem from shared background vulnerabilities prevalent among marginalized groups, including low education levels and residing in areas with low socioeconomic status. Achieving social mobility poses a significant challenge in Israeli society. Consequently, individuals from any background already at risk during childhood struggle to attain various milestones in adulthood and break free from marginalization and poverty.