Are Jews Really Rich?

Are Jews really rich?

  Of a population of about 44% of Jewish families have a collected income of over 100,000, the national average being 19%, the Jewish population has its highest income bracket at over double that of the national average. In comparison to Catholic and Muslim families with only 19 and 20 percent the gap is also at double. However Hindus at 2nd are only 8% below and Episopalians at third are just 9% under the Jewish population. These statistics, while undeniably showing many Jews are wealthier than the average American, are not drastic enough to say that Jews are incredibly wealthy but continues to support an underlying theme. This theme has been exacerbated by the more public and disproportionate displays of Jewish wealth. Jews in total make up only 2% of the US population, but make up 25% of the 400 wealthiest in America. This is an extreme overrepresentation. Wealthy Jewish people are also seen in the movie industry and financial sectors as top producers or investors. Six of the 20 leading venture capital funds in the US belong to Jews, according to Forbes. So how do we deal with changing a stereotype that has some factual basis? How does this stereotype negatively affect the Jewish people? How similar is the idea that all Jews are rich to that of model minorities, to the idea that all Asians are smart? I think it’s especially challenging for some to see how a stereotype that is “true” and isn’t overtly offensive or degrading should not be perpetuated, and thus it continues to be seen as a fact rather than a likelihood.





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https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/10/11/how-income-varies-among-u-s-religious-groups/