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Trade Liberalization And Racial Animus

Author

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  • Alberto Ortega
  • Ema Di Fruscia
  • Bryn Louise

Abstract

Since the year 2000, the number of recorded hate groups in the United States has increased by more than 50 %. Some argue that the strain caused by unemployment or other socioeconomic stressors can play a critical role in the prevalence of extremist groups and crimes. We examine whether a change in U.S. policy to normalize trade relations with China, which fueled a surge in import competition that led to higher levels of unemployment, affected the presence of hate crimes. Using a difference‐in‐differences model and an event‐study framework, we find that areas most exposed to import competition experienced an increase in the number of anti‐Black hate crimes. We also find a qualitatively similar effect on the number of active hate groups in response to import competition. This result holds pre‐ and post‐the Great Recession and is consistent across levels of aggregation. The results are consistent and robust to various controls and specifications. (JEL F13, F16, Z13)

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Ortega & Ema Di Fruscia & Bryn Louise, 2021. "Trade Liberalization And Racial Animus," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 39(1), pages 194-204, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:39:y:2021:i:1:p:194-204
    DOI: 10.1111/coep.12494
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cohle, Zachary & Ortega, Alberto, 2023. "The effect of the opioid crisis on patenting," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 214(C), pages 493-521.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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