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Does Urban Density Promote Social Interaction? Evidence from Instrumental Variable Estimation

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  • Zackary B. Hawley

    (Texas Christian University)

Abstract

To test the common assumption that increased local area population density implies high levels of social interaction, I use instrumental variable estimation to examine a causal link between social interaction and urban population density. I instrument for local population density using earthquake and landslide hazard rates in addition to the presence of hard rock beneath the soil. I find the social interaction type matters when determining the relationship with population density. Social interaction with friends is positively related with population density, whereas neighbor interaction is negatively related. Group involvement does not seem to be systematically related to population density.

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  • Zackary B. Hawley, 2012. "Does Urban Density Promote Social Interaction? Evidence from Instrumental Variable Estimation," The Review of Regional Studies, Southern Regional Science Association, vol. 42(3), pages 223-248, Winter.
    • Handle: RePEc:rre:publsh:v:42:y:2012:i:3:p:223-248
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel Hummel, 2020. "The effects of population and housing density in urban areas on income in the United States," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 35(1), pages 27-47, February.
    2. Posada, H. M. & García, A. F. & Londoño, D, 2022. "The external effects of public housing developments on informal housing: The case of Medellín, Colombia," Documentos de Trabajo 20416, Universidad del Rosario.
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    4. Hanson, Andrew R. & Hawley, Zackary & Turnbull, Geoffrey, 2018. "The value of community: Evidence from the CARES program," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 218-226.

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