Trajectory-based segregation

Date and country of first publication

2023
Sweden

Definition

Trajectory-based segregation refers to the separation of individuals or groups based on their life trajectories or paths. This type of segregation often occurs when individuals have different opportunities, experiences, and resources that lead them down different paths in life. This can result in the physical separation of individuals in terms of where they live, work, socialize, and access services.

One example of trajectory-based segregation is the segregation of neighborhoods based on socioeconomic status. Individuals from lower-income backgrounds may be limited in their opportunities for education, employment, and social mobility, leading them to live in neighborhoods with lower-quality housing, fewer resources, and higher levels of crime and poverty. Meanwhile, individuals from higher-income backgrounds may have access to better schools, jobs, and services, allowing them to live in more affluent neighborhoods with greater opportunities for success.

Other examples of trajectory-based segregation include segregation based on race, ethnicity, gender, and other characteristics that can influence an individual's life trajectory. This type of segregation can have negative impacts on individuals and communities, perpetuating inequality and limiting access to resources and opportunities. Efforts to address trajectory-based segregation often involve policies and programs that promote greater equity and inclusion, such as affordable housing initiatives, job training programs, and community development projects.

Trajectory-based segregation appears in the following literature

Malmberg B., Andersson E.K. (2023). Exploring Life Course Trajectories in Local Spatial Contexts Across Sweden. Annals of the American Association of Geographers, 113(2), 448-468. Taylor and Francis Ltd..https://doi.org/10.1080/24694452.2022.2105684