The author constructs an interval measure of geographical proximity to concentrations of poverty and adds this measure to regression equations to see the effect of proximity on middle-class white and black quality of life. The results show that geographical proximity is statistically significant and positively related to quality of life for both groups. That is, increased distance from concentrations of poverty increases quality of life for both middle-class whites and blacks. Additionally, the results indicate that the determinants of quality of life are collectively different for middle-class whites and blacks.
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