The Paul Douglas Institute

Abstract

Working with the Metropolitan Planning Council and the Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation, this team will examine real estate listings and online neighborhood forums (Nextdoor, City-Data) to look for geographic patterns of language use. The aim is to identify and understand the frequency of racially coded language, by how language is distributed geographically (GIS). The end project will show quantitatively and qualitatively how the ways we talk about different neighborhoods translate into real inequality and differential economic development.

Impact

This subproject will identify an important cause in the story of continuing segregation, inequality, and development in Chicago, and inform policymakers about dangerous assumptions underlying debate about neighborhood development​.