Family income segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

2020
United States

Definition

Family income segregation refers to the unequal distribution of income levels among different households within a given community or society. This phenomenon leads to a separation of families by income level, resulting in distinct social and economic disparities between them.

Income segregation can manifest in various ways, such as the concentration of lower-income families in specific neighborhoods or the clustering of higher-income families in affluent areas. This segregation can be influenced by factors like housing prices, job opportunities, educational resources, and social networks.

The consequences of family income segregation are significant and multifaceted. They can include limited access to quality education, healthcare, and other essential services for lower-income families. It can also perpetuate a cycle of poverty, as families with limited resources may struggle to escape from disadvantaged neighborhoods. Moreover, income segregation can contribute to social tensions and reinforce existing socio-economic inequalities within a society.

Policies aimed at addressing income segregation often focus on providing affordable housing opportunities, improving educational resources in disadvantaged communities, and implementing targeted social programs to reduce income disparities. The goal is to create more equitable opportunities and bridge the gap between families with different income levels.

Related segregation forms

Family income segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

social segregation, income 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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