Racial/Ethnic Competition, Labor Market Incorporation, and the Importance of Place

• In Event: 127 - Section on Inequality, Poverty and Mobility Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Paper Session: Table 18. Neighborhoods and Inequality

Abstract

Building upon labor market stratification and assimilation frameworks, this article examines how individual, organizational, and structural forces intersect and shape the labor market experiences of immigrants and minorities. Given limited systematic comparative research in this vein, a case-centered comparative design is offered providing analytic leverage for identifying potential stratifying mechanisms linked to local variability. Utilizing U.S. Census microdata (1910-1930), I consider Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City—four cities with unique racial and ethnic compositions, industrial makeup, and socio-political dynamics. Findings demonstrate assimilative behaviors and human capital benefit most immigrant groups and latter generation ethnics relative to employment opportunities and returns. However, discernible group-level inequalities suggestive of racial- and ethnic-based hierarchy, closure, and queuing are evidenced as well. Findings are discussed in light of their broader theoretical implications for understanding historical and contemporary labor market inequality, incorporation, and mobility.

Author

• Salvatore J. Restifo, University of Texas-Pan American