Conflicts over Wage Floors: What Led to Minimum Wage Increases in the U.S. States between 2013 and 2022? - Replication Data

After 2013, the number of statewide minimum wage increases in the U.S. surged. However, not every state followed the trend. Some refrained from minimum wage legislation completely.

This article examines the causes of differences in state minimum wage policies from 2013 to 2022, taking a qualitative perspective on minimum wage politics in the context of polarized party politics, mobilized low-wage workers, and direct democracy in times of federal policy gridlock. Purpose This article uses Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to analyze conflicts over state minimum wages in 27 U.S. states between 2013 and 2022.

Methods

This article uses crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). Value of the data for potential reuse Based on this dataset, the case calibrations can be tracked and examined. Furthermore, the sources used for the calibrations can be reviewed.

Results I find that minimum wage campaigns, such as the Fight for $15 movement, were critical in driving state minimum wage legislation. However, such campaigns only led to minimum wage increases in combination with either a Democratic trifecta or a ballot initiative. Conclusion Between 2013 and 2022, there were two distinct pathways that led to state minimum wage increases in the U.S. Furthermore, only a combination of conditions proved sufficient for the outcome of a minimum wage increase.