This paper contributes to the emerging research on the role of institutions in individual asset and wealth accumulation. It provides a closer examination of the institutional theory of saving as an important framework that may help explain the saving performance and asset accumulation of low-income households in the United States. Specifically, the paper answers the following key question: Controlling for income and several measurable individual characteristics, do institutions matter in influencing the saving behavior and asset accumulation of low-income households?
Project: American Dream Policy Demonstration (ADD)
Citation
Curley, J., Ssewamala, F., & Sherraden, M. (2005). Institutions and savings in low-income households (CSD Working Paper No. 05-13). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.