What Makes Systemic Discrimination, "Systemic?" Exposing the Amplifiers of Inequity

TL;DR

This paper formalizes the concept of systemic discrimination, identifying mechanisms that amplify inequities within complex systems, and explores how interventions can disrupt or exploit these mechanisms to promote equity.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical taxonomy of amplification mechanisms in systemic discrimination, linking them to economic concepts and policy implications.

Findings

Identifies key amplification mechanisms of systemic discrimination.

Shows how interventions can disrupt or exploit these mechanisms.

Provides real-world examples like reparations, affirmative action, and COVID-19.

Abstract

Drawing on work spanning economics, public health, education, sociology, and law, I formalize theoretically what makes systemic discrimination "systemic." Injustices do not occur in isolation, but within a complex system of interdependent factors; and their effects may amplify as a consequence. I develop a taxonomy of these amplification mechanisms, connecting them to well-understood concepts in economics that are precise, testable and policy-oriented. This framework reveals that these amplification mechanisms can either be directly disrupted, or exploited to amplify the effects of equity-focused interventions instead. In other words, it shows how to use the machinery of systemic discrimination against itself. Real-world examples discussed include but are not limited to reparations for slavery and Jim Crow, vouchers or place-based neighborhood interventions, police shootings, affirmative action, and Covid-19.