An inter-city analysis of the inequality in black and white male earnings, 1950–70

Abstract

This paper examines variations in black and white median earnings among males for 79 metropolitan areas over the period 1950 to 1970. By examining aggregated data from smaller areas, the results of this study suggest the literature has overlooked important intra-unit variations at the metropolitan level. Racial earnings are shown to have become slightly more unequal in Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas over the twenty-year period of this study. The results of this study support the argument that younger blacks are better prepared and more able to secure relatively higher paying jobs in recent years than their predecessors. However, metropolitan industrial specialization, size and growth are found to be important factors working against equality in racial earnings.