Intergenerational residential segregation

Date and country of first publication

2009
Australia

Definition

Intergenerational residential segregation refers to the phenomenon where individuals from different generations tend to live separately and in distinct neighborhoods. This segregation can occur due to a variety of factors, including socioeconomic status, racial and ethnic differences, and different housing preferences.

One of the main contributors to intergenerational residential segregation is income inequality. Higher-income families can afford to live in neighborhoods with better amenities, services, and schools, while lower-income families are often limited to economically deprived areas. This results in a concentration of resources in certain neighborhoods and a lack of access to opportunities for those living in segregated areas.

Racial and ethnic disparities also play a significant role in intergenerational residential segregation. Historical and ongoing discrimination has resulted in minorities being disproportionately disadvantaged in terms of housing opportunities. Discriminatory practices such as redlining, where certain areas were deemed undesirable for investment based on racial composition, have influenced residential patterns for generations.

Housing preferences and self-segregation can also contribute to intergenerational residential segregation. People often choose to live in neighborhoods with individuals who share similar backgrounds, values, and cultural experiences. This can lead to the perpetuation of segregation across generations, as communities become increasingly homogeneous.

Intergenerational residential segregation has numerous negative impacts on individuals and society as a whole. It perpetuates inequality by limiting opportunities for upward mobility, decreases social cohesion and understanding between different generations, and reinforces stereotypes and biases. It can also contribute to the creation of isolated pockets of poverty and crime, leading to further social and economic disparities.

Efforts to address intergenerational residential segregation involve a combination of policy interventions and community initiatives. These can include promoting affordable housing in mixed-income neighborhoods, implementing fair housing laws to prevent discrimination, and investing in community development programs that improve the quality of disadvantaged areas. Additionally, fostering neighborhood diversity, promoting social interaction between generations, and educating communities on the benefits of integration can help combat the effects of intergenerational residential segregation.

Notes

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Intergenerational residential segregation appears in the following literature

Poulsen M.F. (2009). Segregation. International Encyclopedia of Human Geography, 63-69. Elsevier Inc..https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-008044910-4.00826-9