Malaria, Race, and Inequality: Evidence from the Early 1900s US South

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Princeton University; Princeton University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC HISTORY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0022-0507
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022050721000449
• 发表日期: 2021
• 页码: 1173-1222
• 关键词: educational-attainment evidence; UNITED-STATES; economic outcomes; eradication; exposure; IMPACT; migration; selection; progress; disease

摘要

This study investigates the impact of malaria eradication programs on Black-white economic disparities in the early 1900s U.S. South. Malaria eradication was widespread and improved health across races. Yet, only white men experienced economic benefits. Using matched census records, we find that increased exposure to the program was associated with higher schooling attainment and income for whites but not for Blacks. Blacks exposed to malaria eradication were more likely to be farm laborers, and both Blacks and whites were more likely to migrate out of state. Our findings suggest that malaria eradication, a broadly applied intervention, widened racial gaps.