Trajectories of Segregation in the U.S. Metropolis, 1900-1970

Racial and ethnic segregation has resulted in persisting wealth gaps between White Americans and Black Americans. Previous literature on the causes and consequences of racial/ethnic residential segregation has focused on the late 20th century, and little is known about patterns of segregation prior to 1940. Sociologist John R. Logan will use census data and historical GIS maps to examine patterns of segregation in U.S. metropolitan areas from 1900 to 1970. He will focus on the use of redlining and race restrictive housing covenants to better understand how institutionalized racism shaped segregation patterns for African Americans and Latinos.