The analysis shows that descendants of prominent slaveholders tend to have significantly higher net worths. The correlation remains strong even when adjusting for various demographic factors such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education.

A recent study reveals a striking connection between the wealth of US Congress members and their ancestors’ slaveholding practices. Researchers Neil Sehgal of the University of Pennsylvania and Ashwini Sehgal of Case Western Reserve University found that as of April 2021, Congress members whose ancestors enslaved 16 or more people had a net worth approximately five times higher than those whose ancestors did not own slaves.

Published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on Wednesday, the study builds on previous research linking slavery’s long-term effects to modern-day disparities in inequality, poverty, and education. However, this research offers new insight into how historical slavery might impact current economic conditions.

The study is based on data from a 2023 Reuters investigative series, which compiled information on the slaveholding ancestry of all 535 members of Congress as of April 15, 2021. The Sehgal researchers cross-referenced this data with the legislators’ self-reported financial disclosures.

Their analysis shows that descendants of prominent slaveholders tend to have significantly higher net worths. The correlation remains strong even when adjusting for various demographic factors such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education.

Relatively small dataset

While the study highlights a potential link between historical slavery and contemporary wealth disparities, the researchers emphasize that current Congress members are not personally responsible for their ancestors’ actions. The study does not identify specific mechanisms through which ancestral slaveholding might influence present-day wealth.

There are several limitations to the study. The dataset is relatively small and does not consider slaveholding activities before the founding of the U.S. in 1776. Additionally, some financial assets may not be disclosed by legislators, and the findings may not apply to other politicians or the general public, as Congress members generally have higher wealth.

The authors suggest that further research could help clarify how slaveholding ancestry might relate to current wealth disparities. Understanding these dynamics could inform policies aimed at addressing ongoing social and economic inequalities.

The researchers conclude, “Members of Congress wield significant influence over policy and national agendas. Recognizing wealth disparities within this influential group can spark discussions on economic equity and encourage legislative support for addressing historical injustices.”