In a pioneering initiative, researchers from Michigan State University and Rutgers University are set to embark on a nationally funded study aimed at investigating the profound effects of structural racism on housing, aging and health. This study, which is the first of its kind, will delve into the historical and contemporary practices that have perpetuated racial inequalities in America.
Funding and scope of the study
The research is backed by a substantial $3.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Aging. The study will focus on the experiences of 800 Black and white adults in Baltimore, examining how discriminatory policies over the past century have shaped their lives.
A shift in research focus
According to Dick Sadler, an associate professor at Michigan State University and a key researcher on the project, this study aims to broaden the understanding of structural racism beyond the traditional focus on residential segregation and redlining. Sadler emphasizes that previous research has often been limited in scope, failing to consider the myriad ways in which racism has infiltrated various aspects of urban life.
Key areas of investigation
The study will explore several critical factors, including: redlining, gentrification, predatory lending, urban renewal, freeway construction and segregation.
These elements will be analyzed for their impact on neighborhoods, homes, schools and businesses that predominantly serve Black communities, ultimately revealing how these factors contribute to ongoing racial inequality.
Documenting racial inequities
Sadler and Danielle Beaty Moody, an associate professor at Rutgers, stress the importance of documenting the systemic disadvantages faced by Black Americans. They assert that it is essential to identify and disentangle the various tools and strategies that have entrenched structural racism in urban environments.
Utilizing existing research
The study will leverage data from the ongoing project Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Lifespan. This dataset will provide insights into the cumulative lifetime exposure to historical and contemporary markers of structural racism across Baltimore neighborhoods, allowing researchers to develop comprehensive residential histories and activity spaces for participants.
The broader context of structural racism in health care
Research has consistently shown that structural racism significantly impacts health care access and quality for racial and ethnic minorities. A 2022 study highlighted how systemic inequities in health care policy have historically favored white populations while disadvantaging minority groups. This ongoing issue underscores the necessity for studies like the one being conducted by Michigan State and Rutgers, which aim to illuminate the roots of these disparities.
The groundbreaking research led by Michigan State University and Rutgers University promises to shed light on the complex interplay of structural racism in housing, aging and health. By examining the historical context and current realities faced by Black Americans, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the systemic challenges that perpetuate racial inequities. As the findings emerge, they could pave the way for more effective policies and interventions aimed at dismantling these long-standing barriers.
