African-American Concentration in Jobs

Abstract

Studying the case of Atlanta shows African-American concentration in relatively “good” jobs: Majority-Black jobs are not always segregated jobs with low returns. Multivariate analysis shows that, net of other factors, majority-Black jobs in local government and the construction industry have earnings and benefits that are comparable to those in majority-White jobs. It is suggested that African-American local government political power and linkages with the construction industry provide a base for equal employment opportunity, contestWhite labor market hegemony, and open the market for “good” jobs. The importance of studying the political context of labor market outcomes is supported.