Spatial mismatch research in the 1990s: progress and potential

This article reviews recent research about the spatial mismatch hypothesis from a range of social science disciplines. Since 1990, researchers have te sted the mismatch hypothesis in diverse metropolitan settings; devised more accurate measures of geographical access to employment; and developed mode ls to address issues such as compensating variations, sample selection bias , and contextual effects. We argue for a broader conceptualization of spati al mismatch that considers how social and spatial relations affect employme nt outcomes for women, immigrants, and other ethnic minorities. This broade r view will enhance the contribution of research to current theoretical and policy debates about urban poverty. The effects of metropolitan context an d neighborhood-level differences in services, resources, and social network s on spatial access and, independently, on wages and employment also warran t future research attention. JEL classification: I3, J6, J7.