Lecture on Residential Segregation

Introduction to Residential Segregation

• Definition: Groups of people, often by race or income, separating into different neighborhoods.
• Importance: Affects life chances, politics, healthcare, and educational resources.

Patterns of Segregation

Uneven Distribution

• Uneven: Groups are not equally distributed across neighborhoods.

Concentration

• Definition: Clustering of groups in specific areas.
• Example: Reds clustering in the bottom right corner.

Centralization

• Definition: Segregation plus clustering in a central area.
• Example: Reds concentrated in the center.

Measuring Residential Segregation

Index of Dissimilarity

• Scale: Ranges from 0 (total segregation) to 100 (perfect distribution).
• Example:
  • Near zero: Red and blue people are completely segregated.
  • Closer to 100: Red and blue people are dispersed across neighborhoods.

Importance of Residential Segregation

• Political Weakness: Segregated communities lack political power and influence.
• Language and Integration: Linguistic isolation can hinder job opportunities and integration.
• Quality of Resources: Education, healthcare, and other resources may be of lower quality.

Concept of Spatial Mismatch

• Definition: Opportunities for low-income people may be far from where they live, making them hard to access.