Spatial economic segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1][edit | edit source]

2012
Canada

Definition[edit | edit source]

Spatial economic segregation refers to the division and separation of different socioeconomic groups within a geographic area. It occurs when people from different income levels or social classes, such as low-income versus high-income individuals, tend to live in separate neighborhoods or areas. This segregation can be based on factors like housing costs, access to amenities, and quality of public services.

Factors that contribute to spatial economic segregation include:

1. Housing prices: In many cities, housing costs vary significantly, making certain neighborhoods affordable only to wealthier individuals or families, leading to the concentration of higher-income residents in certain areas.

2. Gentrification: Gentrification is the process of renovating and improving neighborhoods, often leading to an increase in property values. This can result in the displacement of low-income residents who can no longer afford to live in the area, further segregating socioeconomic groups.

3. Zoning and land-use policies: Some cities have zoning regulations that separate residential areas from commercial or industrial areas. This can affect the availability of affordable housing and contribute to spatial economic segregation.

4. Transportation infrastructure: Limited access to efficient and affordable transportation can limit economic opportunities for low-income individuals, leading to their concentration in specific areas with lower mobility options.

5. Educational opportunities: Unequal distribution of quality schools affects the educational opportunities available to children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. This can lead to the clustering of wealthier families in neighborhoods with better schools.

Spatial economic segregation can have numerous negative impacts on society, including perpetuating income inequality, limiting social mobility, and exacerbating disparities in access to resources and opportunities. Efforts to reduce spatial economic segregation often involve policies that promote affordable housing initiatives, equitable distribution of public services, and investment in disadvantaged communities.

Related segregation forms[edit | edit source]

Spatial economic segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

economic segregation

This visualization is based on the study The Multidisciplinary Landscape of Segregation Research.

For the complete network of interrelated segregation forms, please refer to:

First year of publication

Louvain clusters

Betweenness centrality

Disciplines in which segregation forms first emerged (Scopus database).

References[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

↑ Date and country of first publication as informed by the Scopus database (December 2023).

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