Using the US 5 per cent Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS) and Census Summary Files from the year 2000, and a multilevel linear modelling strategy, this study examines the effects of a range of individual and metropolitan-area characteristics on the job earnings of US-born Whites and Blacks, foreign-born Hispanics and Asians, separately by men and women. The key findings suggest that macroeconomic structure and racial composition have significant influences on interracial and gender earnings disparities, although the direction and magnitude are different among groups. Results also show that all racial and gender groups would benefit from a more evenly distributed labour market among ethnic minorities and immigrants. With respect to gender issues, the earning gaps between racial groups are greater than between men and women. However, compared with men, women workers are more sensitive to macroeconomic conditions, racial residential segregation and labour market segmentation.
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