Economist Finds Rising Income Inequality Bumps Up Rates Of Bankruptcies, Divorce

14:18

December 09, 2010

Joseph Sassi, 39, left, waits in line to talk to a job counselor at a Nevada Jobconnect Career Center in Las Vegas. (AP)

A recent study shows that counties in the U.S. with the fastest rising income inequality also saw the largest jump in bankruptcies and divorce rates. To understand why, we speak with one of the study's authors, economist Robert H. Frank.

Frank's most recent book is "The Economic Naturalist's Field Guide: Common Sense Principles For Troubled Times."

New York Times: Income inequality- too big too ignore
Here & Now: Role-playing exercise helps people understand plight of the poor

This segment aired on December 9, 2010.