Prestige segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

1992
United States

Definition

Prestige segregation refers to the unequal distribution of prestige or social status within a society, leading to the division and separation of individuals based on their perceived prestige or prestige-related attributes. This can occur in various domains, such as education, employment, and social networks.

In the context of education, prestige segregation can be seen through the concentration of high prestige educational institutions in certain areas or neighborhoods, while lower prestige schools are located in disadvantaged areas. As a result, students from low-income or marginalized communities may have limited access to high-quality education and the opportunities it provides, further perpetuating social inequalities.

In employment, prestige segregation can manifest through the stratification of job positions based on prestige or perceived social value. High-prestige jobs, such as those in the professional or managerial fields, are often concentrated among certain individuals or groups, while lower-prestige jobs, such as manual labor or service jobs, are typically associated with lower social status. This segregation can lead to disparities in earning potential, career advancement, and overall socioeconomic status.

Prestige segregation can also occur in social networks, where individuals with higher social status or prestige tend to associate and interact with others of similar status, excluding those with lower social standing. This can result in social fragmentation and limited opportunities for social mobility for individuals in lower prestige groups, as networks play a crucial role in access to resources, information, and support.

Overall, prestige segregation reflects the unequal distribution of prestige and societal resources, creating barriers to social mobility and reinforcing existing social hierarchies within a society. Addressing and mitigating prestige segregation requires concerted efforts in areas such as education reform, equal job opportunities, and promoting inclusive social networks.

Related segregation forms

Prestige segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

gender 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

Notes

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

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