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Black Lives: The High Cost of Segregation

Author

Listed:
  • Robynn Cox
  • Jamein P. Cunningham
  • Alberto Ortega
  • Kenneth Whaley

Abstract

Exploiting the arrangement of railroad tracks in northern cities, we explore the extent to which segregation impacts homicide victimization by race. Our results reveal a robust positive relationship between segregation and non-White homicide victimization. In addition, we find a decrease in public provisions, as highly segregated locations generate fewer revenues and have lower public expenditures. Our findings suggest that White flight and segregation deplete the local tax base, leading to urban decay and higher crime, resulting in the loss of non-White lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Robynn Cox & Jamein P. Cunningham & Alberto Ortega & Kenneth Whaley, 2026. "Black Lives: The High Cost of Segregation," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 18(1), pages 1-34, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:18:y:2026:i:1:p:1-34
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20220083
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ananat, Elizabeth Oltmans & Washington, Ebonya, 2009. "Segregation and Black political efficacy," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 93(5-6), pages 807-822, June.
    2. David M. Cutler & Edward L. Glaeser, 1997. "Are Ghettos Good or Bad?," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 112(3), pages 827-872.
    3. David M. Cutler & Edward L. Glaeser & Jacob L. Vigdor, 1999. "The Rise and Decline of the American Ghetto," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 107(3), pages 455-506, June.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H71 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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