Lecture 14 - Segregation

define segregation

spatial distance between (place-specific) social groups

Segregation is never a total separation, but rather…

over- or underrepresentation in distribution over space

Define spatial sorting

Continuous process, where people with similar socioeconomic characteristics cluster in specific geographic areas, often leading to segregation

Why is segregation an issue? Explain:

Symbolic significance

Issue of separation

Issue of uneven distribution

Issue of concentration of poverty and marginality

Symbolic significance: territorial stigmatization, social stratification becomes visible in space

Issue of separation: lack of contact undermines common understanding and tolerance, (re)production of social differences

Issue of uneven distribution: e.g. mobility > uneven access to work

Issue of concentration of poverty and marginality: affects manageability of social problems, negative socialisation etc.

How does individual preference influence segregation?

People have a preference for cultural or ethnic similarity, potentially with social and economical benefits, leading to spatial sorting

In which 4 ways does the housing market influence segregation?

varying distribution of tenure across city

regulations regarding construction

regulations regarding access to certain areas/housing (‘redlining’)

regulations regarding ownership and mortgages

What is the state’s influence on segregation? Explain through the concepts of "“growth machine” and “urban regime”

Growth machine: views city as a site for economic growth, pushing policies that maximize land value, displacing low-income residents

Urban regime: informal partnerships between public institutions and private actors: state works collaboratively with elites to steer urban priorities

How can Harvey’s Uneven Growth theory explain segregation?

idea that capitalist urban development produces geographical inequalities: some neighborhoods experience disinvestment while others become hubs of wealth

What is the influence of contextual dependencies and institutional legacies in shaping segregation? what do they shape?

Shapes social and economic profile of city

Shapes housing market structure of city

What 4 perspectives on segregation are there?

1. behavioral: individual preferenes

2. institutional: housing market, planning, urban policy

3. political-economic: capital flows, investment strategies, growth

4. historical-geographical perspective