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Racial Diversity and Macroeconomic Productivity across US States and Cities

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Abstract

The United States is growing increasingly diverse, so it is important that economists understand the macroeconomic consequences of diversity within the US economy. International analyses often argue that heterogeneity reduces macroeconomic productivity by engendering corruption, political instability, and social turmoil. However, other studies claim that diversity improves creative decision making and augments productivity. This paper exploits differences in diversity across regions of the United States from 1980 to 2000 to determine whether racial heterogeneity creates macroeconomic gains or losses for states and cities. Fixed effects analysis indicates that diversity enhances the productivity of cities. Evidence at the state-level is more ambiguous, as significant results only appear in random effects specifications.

Suggested Citation

  • Sparber, Chad, 2007. "Racial Diversity and Macroeconomic Productivity across US States and Cities," Working Papers 2007-01, Department of Economics, Colgate University.
  • Handle: RePEc:cgt:wpaper:2007-01
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chad Sparber, 2009. "Racial Diversity and Aggregate Productivity in U.S. Industries: 1980–2000," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 75(3), pages 829-856, January.
    2. Scott E. Page, 2007. "Prologue to The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies," Introductory Chapters, in: The Difference: How the Power of Diversity Creates Better Groups, Firms, Schools, and Societies, Princeton University Press.
    3. Timothy F. Harris & Yannnis M. Ioannides, 2000. "Productivity and Metropolitan Density," Discussion Papers Series, Department of Economics, Tufts University 0016, Department of Economics, Tufts University.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Racial Diversity; Macroeconomic Productivity;

    JEL classification:

    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O51 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - U.S.; Canada

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