Citation
Mele, A. (2020). Does School Desegregation Promote Diverse Interactions? An Equilibrium Model of Segregation within Schools.
American Economic Journal-Economic Policy. vol. 12 (2) pp. 228-257
Abstract
This paper studies racial segregation in schools using data on student friendships from Add Health. I estimate an equilibrium model of friendship formation, with preferences allowing both homophily and heterophily in direct and indirect ties. I find that homophily goes beyond direct links: students also prefer racially homogeneous indirect friends, while there is heterophily in income. I simulate policies reallocating students across schools. Race-based policies have nonlinear effects on within-school segregation and other network features such as clustering and centrality. Policies increasing diversity through reallocations based on income have less impact on racial segregation.
URL
https://doi.org/10.1257/pol.20170604Keyword(s)
SOCIAL INTERACTIONS
Reference Type
Journal Article
Journal Title
American Economic Journal-Economic Policy
Author(s)
Mele, A.
Year Published
2020
Volume Number
12
Issue Number
2
Pages
228-257
ISSN/ISBN
1945-7731
DOI
10.1257/pol.20170604
Reference ID
6503
