Adjusted for inflation. the incomes of the poorest fifth of working families dropped by 21% between 1979 and 1995. while the Incomnos of the richest fifth Jumped by 30% during the same time period. So during both good times and bad the gap has grown. Most economists think that a principal reason for the widening gap ts technology. Other factors are the erosion over several years of the minimum wage. Intornational trade. the decline of unionization. and Immigration. So while the new technologies are creating growth In the economy and new opportunities. they are also increasing economic inequalities and sharpening social divisions. In the last few years. lowerincome workers have gotten some help from the strong economy and from thu 90 cent an hour Increase in the minimum wage In 1996.
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Immigration