We describe the empirical relationship between local government boundaries and residential segregation in the United States. First, we study recent changes in the distribution of segregation within and between local governments in all metropolitan areas, using census block data on residential demographics over the period 1990–2020. We find that segregation across local government boundaries explains a substantial share of racial stratification, which has changed only little over the last thirty years. Next, we use spatial regression discontinuity methods to distinguish between household sorting due to neighborhood amenities and public goods provided by local governments. The prevalence of demographic discontinuities at local government boundaries suggest that between-jurisdiction segregation patterns cannot be explained solely by proximity to neighborhood amenities. We discuss implications for policy, showing that both between-jurisdiction segregation and jurisdictional discontinuities can partly explain the correlation between total segregation and racial gaps in educational outcomes.

The categories listed below are used to classify books, book reviews, journal articles, and dissertations indexed in JEL, JEL on CD, and EconLit. New changes to the classification system appear as soon as possible on www.econlit.org . The JEL classification system may be used freely for scholarly purposes. We suggest the following format: “JEL: A10, B10, etc.”

The categories listed below are used to classify books, book reviews, journal articles, and dissertations indexed in JEL, JEL on CD, and EconLit. New changes to the classification system appear as soon as possible on www.econlit.org . The JEL classification system may be used freely for scholarly purposes. We suggest the following format: “JEL: A10, B10, etc.”

The categories listed below are used to classify books, book reviews, journal articles, and dissertations indexed in JEL and EconLit. New changes to the classification system appear as soon as possible on www.econlit.org . The JEL classification system may be used freely for scholarly purposes. We suggest the following format: “JEL: A10, B10, etc.”

The categories listed below are used to classify books, book reviews, journal articles, and dissertations indexed in JEL, JEL on CD, EconLit. New changes to the classification system appear as soon as possible on www.econlit.org . The JEL classification system may be used freely for scholarly purposes. We suggest the following format: “JEL: A10, B10, etc.”

Robert Mendelsohn of Yale School of the Environment, Department of Economics, and Yale School of Management reviews “Climate Future: Averting and Adapting to Climate Change” by Robert S. Pindyck. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Explores the extent and nature of the uncertainty of climate change's impact on the economy and society, promoting the argument that climate policy should focus on adaptation in preparation for the unlikelihood of sufficiently reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Eric M. Leeper of Department of Economics, University of Virginia reviews “A Monetary and Fiscal History of the United States, 1961-2021” by Alan S. Blinder. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Examines monetary and fiscal policy in the United States since the 1960s, chronicling how stabilization policy struggled to fight recessions, unemployment, and inflation.”

Mostafa Beshkar of Indiana University-Bloomington reviews “A World Trading System for the Twenty-First Century” by Robert W. Staiger. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Discusses the success of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and its ideal economic environment, evaluating whether twenty-first-century changes in the global economy imply the need for changes in the design of the World Trade Organization (WTO) system.”

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are less than 5 mm in size and can be found in most environments, including the oceans, rivers, and air. These small plastic particles can have negative impacts on wildlife and the environment. In this review of the literature, we analyze the presence of microplastics in various species of wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals. We describe a variety of analytical techniques, such as microscopy and spectrometry, which identify and quantify the microplastics in the samples. In addition, techniques of sample preparation are discussed. Summary results show that microplastics are present in all the wildlife species studied, with the highest concentrations often found in fish and birds. The literature suggests that microplastics are widely distributed in the environment and have the potential to affect a wide range of species. Further research is required to fully understand the impacts of microplastics on wildlife and the environment.

Rachel M. McCleary of Harvard University reviews “The Economics of Religion” edited by Robert M. Sauer. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Twelve papers examine the interconnection between religiosity and economic principles, highlighting future directions for research in the emerging field of the economics of religion