Changes in Income Inequality Within U.S. Metropolitan Areas

Book Description

What if one were to use metropolitan statistical area (MSA) data instead of nationwide data to study income redistribution? Might this reveal that certain regions or MSAs within regions are "hot beds" of income inequality? Can patterns of income inequality be discerned within MSAs, e.g., between central cities and suburbs? If so, what local characteristics influence income inequality? Janice F. Madden tackles these questions by studying MSA data that link the characteristics of metropolitan economies to significant changes in income inequality. This allows her to study changes in poverty rates, household income inequality, and wage inequality within 182 of the largest MSAs and to identify what she says are the three factors most likely to influence changes in income inequality in metropolitan areas. Those factors are

* demographics, which define how income is shared across the generations and how earnings and other income flows translate into economic well-being;

* the labor market, which strongly influences U.S. household income through the supply of and demand for workers, and through wages and salaries;

* the geographic structure, which impacts residents' local tax liabilities, access to publicly provided goods and services, personal security and safety, and the ability to commute to work -- including the increased locational isolation based on income or race. The results presented strongly support a number of policy recommendations pertaining to antipoverty policies, and address issues such as targets within MSAs for job growth and creation, the types of jobs created, and antidiscrimination policies in housing and labor markets.

Customer Reviews:

Madden on inequality within US metropolitan areas.......2001-03-22

The author had previously found that the Philadelphian economy had experienced lower growth in income inequality during the 1980s than the rest of the U.S. (Madden and Stull, 1991). Madden appears to have been spurned on by this earlier result and, in this clearly written book, she aims to identify whether there are any relationships between metropolitan characteristics and household income distributions within US metropolitan areas.

Madden's foci are on poverty rates, household income inequality and wage inequality within `metropolitan statistical areas' across the U.S. between 1979 and 1989. Emphasis is on three factors that she argues are most likely to influence changes in inequalities within metropolitan areas: local labour markets, the geographic structure of the metropolitan region and changes in the labour force's demographics and skill composition. The strength of the book lies in the messages about recognising the importance of the demographic breakdown of the workforce and the study is a particularly welcome addition to the literature given that the geographical unit for analysis is not determined by political or administrative definitions, but instead by the degree of economic and social integration of counties which can be seen as representative of individual, local economic markets.

Contrary to some of the most up-to-date literature on the determinants of spatial inequalities, Madden places much of her attention on supply side factors and it is a shame that she does not fully exploit her data set of distinctive markets as the influence of trade (and the derived demand for labour), and not just the characteristics of the local labour supply, is also known to influence inequalities. I was disappointed by the lack of recognition of demand-sided issues associated with the importance of industrial composition of the local economy, and the different affects it they may have on inequalities of metropolitan statistical areas. In fact, she completely ignores the points made most succinctly by the likes of Haskel (1999) and Slaughter (1999) on the respective influences of trade and labour market affects on income inequalities (irrespective of the fact that Haskel and Slaughter focus on larger economies) associated with the inter-sectoral mobility of labour. There is also very little recognition of the possible effects that skill-biased technical change or sector-biased technical change can have on the evolution of earnings, household income and poverty. [If Madden feels that they are not relevant to metropolitan statistical areas I would like to have understood why this is the case].

As this is a supply-sided study that focuses on the characteristics of the labour force, it may not be surprising that her results point to a number of policy recommendations pertaining to antipoverty policies, and address issues such as job growth and creation, the types of jobs created, and anti-discrimination policies. I feel her emphasis on household formation is justified and well discussed even though Blank and Card (1993) found this to be unimportant. The book contains some good points on how the composition of the household strongly affects household inequalities and earnings inequalities making the reader aware that differences in household composition across local economic markets must be integrated into antipoverty policy formation should such policies be optimal and efficient.

Although the structure is clearly defined, with chapters focusing on, for example, the data set (Ch. 3), different measurements of inequality (Ch. 4) and the possible sources of household income inequality (Ch. 5), the layout of the chapter give the feeling that the book is mainly descriptive. A different structure would have been welcome that links the foci in a manner that provides and analytical base for further examination. Instead, Madden states several times that she cannot provide answers as to why, how or what caused these changes over time. Of course, an advantage of this clarity and admission is that the book points to directions for future research.

The book should be read by those individuals who are up-to-date with the demand sided arguments behind the evolution of inequalities as it could provide lines for future research that encompasses both demand- and supply-sided forces behind wage inequalities. It would also make a good case study for students of the economics of demography while the results would be useful policy makers and labour economists in general. Although this is an excellent supply-sided case study of income inequalities, I feel that the book often becomes too descriptive which make it relatively lack-lustre read. Nevertheless, it could be an important case study reference book for future studies on the micro-supply-sided-foundations of income inequalities.

Blank, R. and D. Card (1993) "Poverty, Income-Distribution and Growth: Are they still Connected?" Brookings Papers on Economic Activity 0(2), 285-339

Haskel, J. E. (2000) "Trade and labour approaches to wage inequality" Review of International Economics 8(3), 397-408

Slaughter, M. J. (1999) "Globalisation and wages: A tale of two perspectives", World Economy 22(5), 609-630

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Changes in Income Inequality within U.S. Metropolitan Areas.(Review) (book review): An article from: Southern Economic Journal
Philip N. Jefferson
Manufacturer: Southern Economic Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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ASIN: B0008HW1Z2
Release Date: 2005-07-28

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This digital document is an article from Southern Economic Journal, published by Southern Economic Association on April 1, 2001. The length of the article is 1163 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Changes in Income Inequality within U.S. Metropolitan Areas.(Review) (book review)
Author: Philip N. Jefferson
Publication: Southern Economic Journal (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 2001
Publisher: Southern Economic Association
Volume: 67 Issue: 4 Page: 1022

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Volume 31 of Crime and Justice presents a global view on youth justice systems, examining Canada, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and an aggregation of Western countries. The systems are addressed in five sections, which discuss the relevance of a separate youth justice system, age limitations, historical stability and changes, welfare concerns, and a comparative look at current laws as written and administered.

Contributors:
Hans-Jörg Albrecht
Anthony Bottoms
James Dignan
Anthony N. Doob
Carl-Gunnar Janson
Josine Junger-Tas
Britta Kyvsgaard
Allison Morris
Julian V. Roberts
Jane B. Sprott
Lode Walgrave

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Various concepts of ecological sustainability and integrity have been proposed as a means of enhancing the protection of humans and the environment against the threat of human activities. This book follows upon two earlier ones, both published by Kluwer Academic Publishers: Sustainable Development: Science, Ethics and Public Policy (John Lemons and Donald A. Brown, editors), and Perspectives on Ecological Integrity (Laura Westra and John Lemons, editors). In this present book, we bring together scholars in the fields of ecology, public policy, philosophy, and economics in order to explore more fully the concepts of sustainability and ecological integrity as well as the connections between them. First, the concept of sustainability in relation to science, law, and ethics is explored. Second, concepts of sustainability and ecological integrity are applied to problems in specific natural resources. Finally, authors examine possible approaches to public policy which might include concepts of sustainability and ecological integrity. Audience: Environmental professionals, whether academic, governmental or industrial, or in the private consulting sector. Also suitable as an upper level undergraduate or graduate text or reference.

Ecological Sustainability and Integrity: Concepts and Approaches

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Ecological Sustainability and Integrity: Concepts and Approaches
Robert Goodland
Manufacturer: Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBSXBA

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Reviews cellular model systems in an effort to determine the mechanism by which mutation can alter rhythmicity. The text explains how new research fits into the emerging picture of the genetic and molecular basis of biological rhythmicity.

Natural Products and Molecular Therapy: First International Conference (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences)

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Natural Products and Molecular Therapy: First International Conference (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences)
Walter Pierpaoli , and Debomoy K. Lahiri
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
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Binding: Paperback

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Although the peoples of all continents and cultures have been using different kinds of natural products for centuries, their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Interestingly, most of these products "work," and paradoxically we are witnessing a great limitation of existing pharmacological targets and agents for various new diseases, such as HIV, as well as those that affect the growing aged population worldwide. This volume presents research focused on the molecular basis of action of different natural products and their applications to various diseases, including cancer, brain disorders, and infectious diseases. Promising natural therapies are scrutinized and evaluated in an effort to advance rigorous scientific analysis of these products and therapies, including achieving neuroprotection through herbal extracts, plant products, and dietary supplements. The role of antioxidants and free radicals from natural products in health and disease is also explored. The research findings presented in this volume focus on botanical, nutritional, and pharmacological strategies for improving general health and slowing normal aging, and the contributors are scientists recognized for their molecular and mechanistic work in this area. African medicine, traditional Chinese and other east Asian medicines, and ayurvedic medicine are addressed, as are a range of other natural treatments/enhancements in current use. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit www.nyas.org/membership/main.asp for more information about becoming a member.

Reversal of Aging: Resetting the Pineal Clock (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences)

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Reversal of Aging: Resetting the Pineal Clock (Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences)

Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
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ASIN: 1573316032

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The body of research on the process of human aging has grown considerably in recent years, and the reports presented here explore a full range of approaches to this research, from the molecular and genetic to the cellular and organismic levels. The contributing scientists identify the processes of aging and find functional and mechanistic approaches that may delay, prevent, or arrest the progress of aging and those ailments generally linked to senescence, such as metabolic, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases. The investigation of various approaches to the prevention of aging will include efforts to mitigate the deleterious consequences of chemical pollution. NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit www.nyas.org/membership/main.asp for more information about becoming a member.

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The behavior of polymer solutions in elongational flow has been treated quite recently in the literature but scattered in disparate scientific journals not easily accessible. This is very surprising since elongational flow is known to be very effective on polymer chains and thus more interesting than the already wellknown shear flow. This book covers for the first time the subject from the point of view of the various disciplines. It achieves a balance between science, experiment and technology and integrates the fundamental and practical aspects.

Customer Reviews:

greedy scumbag.......2006-08-12

..please help the poor like me by launch the paper back edition so i can afford it..please be compassioned

No paperback coming soon, hardcover reprinted.......2005-07-23

Feshbach Publishing has acquired the rights to this work from McGraw-Hill. Cambridge University Press did a terrific job reprinting the book using printing film supplied by McGraw-Hill.

Despite George Arfken's claim in 2002 that a paperback version was on it's way, no such version was ever planned. This book is used intensively over several decades by many people. I doubt that a paperback version would survive for long under such circumstances.

A Classic but dated & expensive - paperback coming soon.......2002-02-27

In response to questions from colleagues and students i'm posting this review.
This was the standard text many years ago.
Many current topics on mathematical Quantization and Stochastic Optimization are conspicuously abscent.
The publisher is working on a two Volume Paperback edition that will be available shortly, so save your money and buy this 2-vol set for one fifth the price.

A hard but superb book........2002-01-09

Current physics students had less mathematical trainings than those did several decades ago, when computer wasn't popular. So this book is probably too hard to read through and to work on its problems. But if you force yourself, you will begin to appreciate the beauty of mathematics. The chapter about Green's function is escpecially good, never had a so vivid lecture on Green's function before. Actually, when I read this book, I felt Green's function is the kernel and the main bone of this book. It appears almost in every chapter.

The price is pretty high, but if you choose physics as your career, it's worth to have this book, both for academic and entertaining purposes.

THE classic text.......2001-08-01

The classic text, still excellent, tho' somewhat dated. Well worth having because (a) the physical viewpoint is helpful for theorists and easier for experimentalists, (b) the older viewpoint is different from that of more modern texts, and still worthwhile; multiple viewpoints increase understanding.

Geophysical Field Theory and Method, Part B: Electromagnetic Fields I (International Geophysics Series)

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Geophysical Field Theory and Method, Part B: Electromagnetic Fields I (International Geophysics Series)
Alexander A. Kaufman
Manufacturer: Academic Pr
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Binding: Hardcover

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Methods of Theoretical Physics: Parts I & II

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Methods of Theoretical Physics: Parts I & II
Philip McCord: Feshbach, Herman Morse
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HFJ5OK

Methods of Theoretical Physics, Part I and Part II (1 & 2), Two Volumes

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Methods of Theoretical Physics, Part I and Part II (1 & 2), Two Volumes
Philip M. and Herman Feshbach Morse
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GZZYQ4

Methods of Theoretical Physics, Part I and Part II (2 volumes)

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Methods of Theoretical Physics, Part I and Part II (2 volumes)
Philip M. and Herman Feshbach Morse
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLX7EG

Book Description

Nonfiction pieces dating from 1904, when she was twenty-three, to 1912, the year of her marriage to Leonard Woolf. "These are polished works of literary journalism-shrewd, deft, inquisitive, graceful, and often sparkling" (Library Journal). Edited and with an Introduction by Andrew McNeillie; Index.

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