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Statistical discrimination during the 1871 yellow fever epidemic in Buenos Aires

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  • Millas Caputo Juan Francisco

Abstract

This paper aims to assess the existence (and if so, estimate the magnitude) of a discriminatory bias against low-income and immigrant households in the context of the 1871 yellow fever epidemic in Buenos Aires. The argument presents the previous anecdotal evidence on discrimination based on socioeconomic outcomes and nationality from government-appointed commissioners, and proposes this investigation as an econometric approach that assesses and quantifies the existence of this phenomenon using historical data. The identification strategy consists of commissioner-level fixed-effects models to control for individual-specific unobservable variables and the inclusion the presence of unhygienic conditions as a control variable. The main takeaway is that, in line with previous anecdotal evidence presented by other authors, these households’ (conventillos) probability of being fined was 26 p.p. higher than other types of households and the monetary value of the fines they received were 323 $m/c (pesos moneda corriente) higher.

Suggested Citation

  • Millas Caputo Juan Francisco, 2024. "Statistical discrimination during the 1871 yellow fever epidemic in Buenos Aires," Asociación Argentina de Economía Política: Working Papers 4745, Asociación Argentina de Economía Política.
    • Handle: RePEc:aep:anales:4745
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    File URL: https://aaep.org.ar/works/works2024/4745.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alfani, Guido & Murphy, Tommy E., 2017. "Plague and Lethal Epidemics in the Pre-Industrial World," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 77(1), pages 314-343, March.
    2. McDonald, Scott & Roberts, Jennifer, 2006. "AIDS and economic growth: A human capital approach," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 80(1), pages 228-250, June.
    3. repec:bla:devpol:v:21:y:2003:i:1:p:27-49 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Balsa, Ana I. & McGuire, Thomas G., 2001. "Statistical discrimination in health care," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 20(6), pages 881-907, November.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • N36 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Latin America; Caribbean

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