Discrimination in Multiphase Systems: Evidence from Child Protection

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Baron, E. Jason; Doyle, Joseph J., Jr.; Emanuel, Natalia; Hull, Peter; Ryan, Joseph
• 署名单位: Duke University; National Bureau of Economic Research; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); Federal Reserve System - USA; Federal Reserve Bank - New York; Brown University; University of Michigan System; University of Michigan
• 刊物名称: QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0033-5533
• DOI: 10.1093/qje/qjae007
• 发表日期: 2024
• 页码: 1611-1664
• 关键词: racial bias; maltreatment; disparities; EFFICIENCY

摘要

We develop empirical tools for studying discrimination in multiphase systems and apply them to the setting of foster care placement by child protective services. Leveraging the quasi-random assignment of two sets of decision-makers-initial hotline call screeners and subsequent investigators-we study how unwarranted racial disparities arise and propagate through this system. Using a sample of over 200,000 maltreatment allegations, we find that calls involving Black children are 55% more likely to result in foster care placement than calls involving white children with the same potential for future maltreatment in the home. Call screeners account for up to 19% of this unwarranted disparity, with the remainder due to investigators. Unwarranted disparity is concentrated in cases with potential for future maltreatment, suggesting that white children may be harmed by underplacement in high-risk situations.