Photo credit: phys.org

Urban Sprawl’s Impact on Economic Mobility and Racial Inequality

Recent research indicates that urban sprawl may significantly hinder intergenerational economic mobility among low-income families while intensifying racial inequality. A series of studies from a geographer at the University of Utah sheds light on how sprawling urban environments can stifle opportunities for residents, particularly affecting minority groups and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

One study published in Economic Development Quarterly analyzed Census data and found that individuals raised in sprawling neighborhoods tend to experience diminished earning potential compared to their peers from more densely populated areas. Kelsey Carlston, co-author and assistant professor at Gonzaga University, emphasized that access to job opportunities is significantly reduced in these sprawling contexts. “Understanding these neighborhood dynamics can help shape policies aimed at improving the economic situations of children from low-income families,” she stated.

The studies, led by professor Yehua Dennis Wei from the School of Environment, Society & Sustainability, delve into how urban sprawl can create a cycle of poverty. Previous work by Reid Ewing, a colleague in city and metropolitan planning, highlighted that urban sprawl perpetuates poverty across generations. Wei’s recent research builds on these findings by focusing on the neighborhood level and utilizing data from the 71,443 Census tracts, which represent small geographic areas with populations of around 8,000.

The character of sprawl is defined within these studies as environments that feature low accessibility, heavy reliance on automobiles, and significant separation between residential and commercial zones. Wei noted that urban designs lacking walkability and mixed-use developments often correlate with lower intergenerational mobility. “We have observed that livable-city traits can enhance mobility, but the effectiveness of these traits can vary significantly based on the socioeconomic composition of the neighborhood,” he explained.

The Broader Effects of Urban Sprawl

At the city level, sprawl has been associated with decreased social cohesion, greater racial and income segregation, and adverse impacts on public health. The neighborhood-focused research indicates that sprawl diminishes opportunities for social interaction and weakens social capital.

Utilizing the Opportunity Atlas dataset, the researchers connected IRS tax records of adults born between 1978 and 1983 with those of their parents to analyze economic mobility across varying environments. Carlston highlighted that the atlas provides insights into average socioeconomic outcomes at multiple geographic levels, allowing for comparisons in mobility potential based on neighborhood characteristics.

Findings revealed a stark contrast in income outcomes based on the level of sprawl. Residents raised in areas characterized by low sprawl (10th percentile) were likely to earn about $2,864 more annually than those from high-sprawl neighborhoods (90th percentile), marking nearly a 10% improvement in income ranking. However, this pattern was less pronounced among higher-income families, who exhibited slight advantages even in sprawling environments.

Implications for Urban Planning

While this research establishes a correlation between sprawl and economic stability, it does not definitively prove causation. Carlston warned that the complexities of urban development demand careful consideration by local planners. Sprawling neighborhoods typically encompass disparate municipalities, leading to unequal distribution of resources like parks and community services, which are often contingent on local incomes.

“High-income residents may gravitate toward development patterns that serve their personal interests rather than societal benefit,” Carlston noted. She urged city officials to adopt planning strategies that favor comprehensive social welfare, suggesting that reducing sprawl and enhancing connectivity through improved public transport could promote better economic opportunities for children across demographic lines.

Further Research and Perspectives

Wei’s comprehensive studies have significant implications not only for urban planning but also for societal equity. His co-authored studies include research on the effects of neighborhood environments on socioeconomic conditions and their relationship with intergenerational mobility in different contexts. Articles such as “Urban Sprawl and Intergenerational Mobility: City- and Neighborhood-Level Effects of Sprawl” and others published in relevant journals offer deep insights into the intricate connections between urban structure and social mobility.

For effective transformation, a multifaceted approach that addresses zoning regulations and developmental practices is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of sprawl and facilitate greater equity in urban environments.

Source
phys.org