Abstract
Numerous studies have assessed the relationship between income inequality and per capita income (i.e., the Kuznets curve) using various data and empirical techniques. In this study, we employ a gradual switching regression model to uncover structural change in the Kuznets curves for the U.S. aggregate, Black American, and White American segments of the population. Similar to prior studies, we find that the Kuznets curves have switched to a U-shape. Our results further show that structural change of the Kuznets curve has been gradual, generally beginning in the 1950s, and that the adjustment process has varied across race.