Urban economic segregation

Date and country of first publication

2008
United States

Definition

Urban economic segregation refers to the phenomenon where specific neighborhoods or areas within a city are segregated based on economic factors, such as income or wealth. This segregation can be seen through the concentration of affluent individuals and high-income households in certain areas, while lower-income individuals are concentrated in other areas with limited access to resources and opportunities.

Urban economic segregation often leads to the creation of disadvantaged neighborhoods or ghettos, where residents face concentrated poverty and limited access to quality education, healthcare, job opportunities, and transportation. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and limit social mobility for individuals living in these areas.

Several factors contribute to urban economic segregation, including historical patterns of racial and socio-economic discrimination, housing policies, and urban planning decisions. Discrimination can result in the exclusion of certain groups from particular areas, while housing policies and urban planning decisions can limit affordable housing options in desirable neighborhoods, further reinforcing economic segregation.

The consequences of urban economic segregation are significant. They include disparities in educational outcomes, health disparities, higher crime rates in disadvantaged areas, and limited economic opportunities for individuals living in segregated neighborhoods. Additionally, the lack of opportunities for interaction between individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds perpetuates social divisions and exacerbates social inequality.

Efforts to address urban economic segregation involve a combination of policy interventions and community initiatives. Some strategies include promoting affordable housing options in more desirable neighborhoods, investing in education and job training programs in disadvantaged areas, improving transportation infrastructure, and implementing anti-discrimination policies. These interventions aim to provide equal access to resources and opportunities for individuals from all socio-economic backgrounds, ultimately fostering more inclusive and equitable cities.

Notes

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Further reading

Campbell M.E.; Haveman R.; Wildhagen T.; Wolfe B.L. (2008) "Income inequality and racial gaps in test scores", Steady Gains and Stalled Progress: Inequality and The Black-White Test Score Gap, 110-135. Russell Sage Foundation. DOI: [1]