Urban spatial segregation

Date and country of first publication

2005
United States

Definition

At its current state, this definition has been generated by a Large Language Model (LLM) so far without review by an independent researcher or a member of the curating team of segregation experts that keep the Segregation Wiki online. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its reliability, completeness and timeliness. Please use this content with caution and verify information as needed. Also, feel free to improve on the definition as you see fit, including the use of references and other informational resources. We value your input in enhancing the quality and accuracy of the definitions of segregation forms collectively offered in the Segregation Wiki ©.

Urban spatial segregation refers to the physical separation and division of different social groups within a city based on factors such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or occupation. This segregation can result in the concentration of certain groups in specific areas, often leading to disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and quality of life.

The causes of urban spatial segregation are complex and multifaceted, influenced by historical, economic, political, and social factors. Some key factors contributing to segregation include discriminatory housing practices, gentrification, urban development patterns, and income inequality.

Segregation can have significant impacts on individuals and communities. It can perpetuate existing inequalities and contribute to a cycle of poverty and disadvantage. Segregated neighborhoods may lack access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and other resources and amenities. This can lead to disparities in social mobility and perpetuate a sense of division between different groups within the city.

Efforts to address urban spatial segregation often involve policies and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. This may include implementing fair housing practices, promoting mixed-income housing developments, investing in infrastructure and services in disadvantaged areas, and fostering community engagement and participation.

Overall, reducing urban spatial segregation is a critical goal for creating more equitable and inclusive cities, where individuals and communities have equal opportunities and access to resources.

Further reading

Wassmer R.W. (2005) "An economic view of the causes as well as the costs and some of the benefits of urban spatial segregation", Desegregating The City: Ghettos, Enclaves, and Inequality, 158-174. State University of New York Press. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/ ]

Pearce-Oroz G. (2005) "Causes and consequences of rapid urban spatial segregation: The new towns of Tegucigalpa", Desegregating The City: Ghettos, Enclaves, and Inequality, 108-124. State University of New York Press. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/ ]

Beyers C. (2013) "Urban Land Restitution and the Struggle for Social Citizenship in South Africa", Development and Change, 44(4), pp. 965-989. . DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1111/dech.12041 10.1111/dech.12041]

Mazsu J. (2015) "Jewish Settlement in Prohibited Cities: Jewish Immigration into Debrecen in the Period 1790 1870", East Central Europe, 42(2-3), pp. 181-215. Brill Academic Publishers. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1163/18763308-04202010 10.1163/18763308-04202010]

Shtern M. (2016) "Urban neoliberalism vs. ethno national division: The case of West Jerusalem's shopping malls", Cities, 52(), pp. 132-139. Elsevier Ltd. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2015.11.019 10.1016/j.cities.2015.11.019]

Alemdaroğlu A. (2017) "Spatial segregation and class subjectivity in Turkey; [Ségrégation spatiale et subjectivité de classe en Turquie]; [La segregación espacial y la subjetividad de clase en Turquía]", Social and Cultural Geography, 18(5), pp. 603-622. Routledge. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1080/14649365.2016.1206961 10.1080/14649365.2016.1206961]

De Carvalho Vallin I.; Gonçalves Dias S.L.F. (2019) "The double burden of environmental injustice in a female waste pickers cooperative in Brazil", Journal fur Entwicklungspolitik, 35(2-3), pp. 116-144. Mattersburger Kreis fur Entwicklungspolitik. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.20446/JEP-2414-3197-35-2-116 10.20446/JEP-2414-3197-35-2-116]

Bonilla-Bedoya S.; Estrella A.; Santos F.; Herrera M.Á. (2020) "Forests and urban green areas as tools to address the challenges of sustainability in Latin American urban socio ecological systems", Applied Geography, 125(), pp. -. Elsevier Ltd. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2020.102343 10.1016/j.apgeog.2020.102343]

Stédile J.A. (2020) "Dynamics of urban segregation Vila Leopoldina. From sesmarias to gated communities; [Dinâmicas da segregação urbana na Vila Leopoldina: das sesmarias aos condomínios fechados]; [Dinámicas de la segregación urbana en Vila Leopoldina: de sesmarias a condominios cerrados]", Revista de Gestao Ambiental e Sustentabilidade, 10(1), pp. -. Universidade Nove de Julho-UNINOVE. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.5585/geas.v10i1.18453 10.5585/geas.v10i1.18453]

Barbosa L.M.; Coates R. (2021) "Resisting disaster chronopolitics: Favelas and forced displacement in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil", International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 63(), pp. -. Elsevier Ltd. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102447 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102447]

Benassi F.; Bitonti F.; Mazza A.; Strozza S. (2023) "Sri Lankans’ residential segregation and spatial inequalities in Southern Italy: an empirical analysis using fine scale data on regular lattice geographies", Quality and Quantity, 57(2), pp. 1629-1648. Springer Science and Business Media B.V.. DOI: [htttp://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-022-01434-5 10.1007/s11135-022-01434-5]