Hispanic Population Growth and Black–White Inequality: Changing Demographics, Changing Social Positions?

Abstract

Social scientists assert that the growth and redistribution of the Hispanic population has altered local racial and economic dynamics in the United States. Yet, comparably little work tests this perspective. We develop hypotheses based on two key sets of theories—the shifting racial/ethnic color line and (im)migrant incorporation into labor markets—to guide our analysis of the relationship between changing Hispanic population concentration and changes in black–white economic inequality. Our first-differenced analysis draws on county-level data from the 1990 and 2000 decennial Census, the US Department of Agriculture, and CQ Press Voting and Elections Collection. In addition to assessing black–white disparities in income, poverty, and unemployment, we test whether the relationship of interest is more or less pronounced in new destinations. When shifts in Hispanic concentration are associated with changes in black and white economic outcomes, we find improved outcomes for blacks (e.g., lower unemployment and poverty rates) but modestly diminished outcomes for whites. There is some evidence that these patterns result in declining black–white inequality in both new and established destinations; however, the declines are small and exclusive to unemployment and poverty outcomes. Results ultimately suggest limited structural changes as they relate to black–white economic inequality during this period.