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Measures of Spatial Segregation

Bibliographic Data

ID6169907
AuthorsSean F Reardon (0000-0002-0465-965X, Stanford University), David O’sullivan (0000-0001-8078-3241, Pennsylvania State University)
Year2004
Volume34
Issue1
Pages121-162
Publication date2004-11-26
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Methodology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0081-1750 • E-ISSN: 1467-9531
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1111/j.0081-1750.2004.00150.x
OpenAlexW2076922992
LanguageEN
Citations received371
References cited34

The measurement of residential segregation patterns and trends has been limited by a reliance on segregation measures that do not appropriately take into account the spatial patterning of population distributions. In this paper we define a general approach to measuring spatial segregation among multiple population groups. This general approach allows researchers to specify any theoretically based definition of spatial proximity desired in computing segregation measures. Based on this general approach, we develop a general spatial exposure/isolation index ( ), and a set of general multigroup spatial evenness/clustering indices: a spatial information theory index ( ), a spatial relative diversity index ( ), and a spatial dissimilarity index ( ). We review these and previously proposed spatial segregation indices against a set of eight desirable properties of spatial segregation indices. We conclude that the spatial exposure/isolation index *—which can be interpreted as a measure of the average composition of individuals' local spatial environments—and the spatial information theory index —which can be interpreted as a measure of the variation in the diversity of the local spatial environments of each individual—are the most conceptually and mathematically satisfactory of the proposed spatial indices

Cluster analysis · Data mining · Index (typography · Index of dissimilarity · Measure (data warehouse · Population · Set (abstract data type · Spatial analysis · Spatial dependence · Spatial distribution · Spatial ecology · Spatial variability · Statistics · Computer Science · Ecology · Housing Market and Economics · Mathematics · Urban Transport and Accessibility · Urban, Neighborhood, and Segregation Studies

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Unique citing works371
Citations per year18,55
Citation span2006 - 2026 (21)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 365

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