Tolerance and Economic Performance in American Metropolitan Areas: An Empirical Investigation¹

Abstract

This article exploits differences in the Gay Index representing diversity and tolerance to estimate the effect of talent on economic performance in U.S. metropolitan areas, and proposes a theory of mechanism of talent distribution and its economic consequences. The index shows there were different degrees of tolerance in early years in different metropolitan areas, with different associated talent. Areas that had high tolerance in early years are more likely tolerant and diverse currently, and can attract more talent. Exploiting differences in the Gay Index as an instrument for current talent, this study estimates a large effect of talent on income per capita. Findings also suggest that other factors, such as high technology and amenities, do not affect regional development directly but do so indirectly by attracting talent. for their invaluable comments. I also wish to acknowledge the help of editor Karen A.Cerulo and four anonymous reviewers, whose comments, advice, and suggestions proved invaluable for the revision. 2 nSPARC,

Health-related regional and neighborhood correlates of sexual minority concentration: A systematic review

“…Reflecting the heavy influence of U.S. records, the most common area unit was the census tract, which was used in 13 records [ 68 , 73 , 76 , 77 , 79 – 83 , 89 , 90 , 92 , 93 ]. The second most common area unit was the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) used in 11 records [ 13 , 28 , 32 , 71 , 72 , 74 , 84 , 85 , 88 , 91 , 95 ]. Five records used cities or U.S. census places [ 31 , 56 , 61 , 67 , 69 ].…”

Corporate sexual equality and firm performance

“…First, corporate sexual equality policies help recruit productive employees. Just like cities more open and tolerant towards different sexual orientations tend to attract more knowledgeable workers who in return boost the local economy (Chen, ; Florida, ; Fu, ), a supportive organization culture helps attract and recruit high‐quality job applicants (Backhaus et al ., ; Catanzaro, Moore, and Marshall, ). Non‐discrimination practices in terms of sexuality can create a more open, diverse, tolerant and supportive environment for employees, and therefore can help recruit talented and productive employees.…”

Do Airports Boost Economic Development by Attracting Talent? An Empirical Investigation at the Subcounty Level

“…Beyond their theoretical implications, the findings have troubling implications for the future of low‐income areas in the United States. Airports play an important role in attracting talent and places with high levels of talent/highly educated individuals enjoy robust economic growth and high productivity (Chen, ; Florida, ; McGranahan et al., ; Rauch, ). Places without access to airports experience a deepening brain drain—more talent moving out and less moving in—and the advantages associated with human capital concentration flow disproportionately to those places with high centrality positions in the airport traffic network (i.e., hub city).…”

“…Florida () confirmed that talent is a key intermediate variable in attracting high‐technology industries and generating higher regional incomes. Recent evidence supporting the relationship between human capital and regional development can be found in different disciplines (e.g., Chen, ; Gennaioli et al., ; Lengyel and Ságvári, ; Florida et al., ; McGranahan et al., ).…”

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