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What Makes Systemic Discrimination, "Systemic?" Exposing the Amplifiers of Inequity

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  • David B. McMillon

Abstract

Drawing on work spanning economics, public health, education, sociology, and law, I formalize theoretically what makes systemic discrimination "systemic." Injustices do not occur in isolation, but within a complex system of interdependent factors; and their effects may amplify as a consequence. I develop a taxonomy of these amplification mechanisms, connecting them to well-understood concepts in economics that are precise, testable and policy-oriented. This framework reveals that these amplification mechanisms can either be directly disrupted, or exploited to amplify the effects of equity-focused interventions instead. In other words, it shows how to use the machinery of systemic discrimination against itself. Real-world examples discussed include but are not limited to reparations for slavery and Jim Crow, vouchers or place-based neighborhood interventions, police shootings, affirmative action, and Covid-19.

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  • David B. McMillon, 2024. "What Makes Systemic Discrimination, "Systemic?" Exposing the Amplifiers of Inequity," Papers 2403.11028, arXiv.org.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2403.11028
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