Is It Different in Dixie? Percent Black and Residential Segregation in the South and non-South

Abstract

Identifying the relationship between the proportion African American and the level of segregation aids in unlocking the key to the past and present state of race relations. National-level studies have found a positive relationship between these variables. Informed by historical and theoretical considerations, I examine the association between the proportion black and segregation by region using 1980 and 1990 central cities. A vast disparity exists between the South and non-South. Outside the South there is a strong association, but for central cities within the South no net relationship is found. The findings' meaning for race relations theory and research is considered.