Reconstruction-Era Education and Long-Run Black-White Inequality

Jones, Daniel B.; Schmick, Ethan

doi:10.1257/pol.20230125

Abstract

The Reconstruction-era of American history (c. 1866-1877) saw widespread efforts to educate recently freed people - efforts which were partially curtailed after Reconstruction. This paper examines the impact of childhood exposure to educational opportunity during Reconstruction on later-life outcomes for recently freed people. Using data on the number of teachers in Black schools and a linked census sample, we find that Black children exposed to greater educational opportunity during Reconstruction had improved occupational standing as adults. Their sons also experienced gains suggesting that Reconstruction-era educational efforts, had they persisted, would have impacted Blackwhite gaps into the 20th Century.

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