Racial and Ethnic Inequality in the United States, 1940 and 1950: The Impact of Geographic Location and Human Capital

Abstract

From the newly released 1940 and 1950 Census PUMS (Public Use Microdata Sample) files, this study analyzes male occupational stratification for 35 ethnic populations, defined by “race” and national origins (foreign birthplace or parental birthplace). While racial and Spanish origin minorities had average occupational statuses (scored by Duncan's Socioeconomic Index) far below that of NWNP (Native White of Native Parentage) men, most European ethnics, especially second generation men, were equal to or only slightly below the majority population in 1940 and 1950. A detailed labor market classification of 266 geographic areas did not prove to be a powerful mediating variable in the process of ethnic occupational stratification. Higher education attainments of northern born black men did not help them escape from low status occupations.