Big cities fuel inequality within and across generations.

Area of Science:

• Urban Studies
• Sociology
• Spatial Analysis

Background:

• Cities are recognized for economic growth but also for exacerbating social inequalities.
• Urban expansion presents a complex dynamic between wealth creation and opportunity distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between urban spatial characteristics and socioeconomic outcomes in the US over the past century.
• To analyze how city size, density, and connectedness impact intergenerational mobility, income, wealth, and social capital.

Main Methods:

• Multidisciplinary approach combining social science methodologies.
• Satellite imagery analysis to assess spatial patterns of US urban expansion.
• Examination of intergenerational mobility as a measure of equality of opportunity.

Main Results:

• Contemporary, dense, and expansive cities generate wealth but limit economic mobility and equal opportunity.
• This polarizing effect is a recent development, contrasting with historical urban patterns.
• Mid-20th century marks a significant turning point towards less inclusive urban growth.

Conclusions:

• Urbanization's impact on equality of opportunity has shifted significantly over the past century.
• Policies addressing urban spatial planning may be crucial for fostering inclusive economic growth.
• Future research should explore the specific mechanisms driving this recent divergence in urban outcomes.