Spatial segregation measures: a methodological review

Yao, J. , Wong, D. W.S., Bailey, N. and Minton, J. (2019) Spatial segregation measures: a methodological review. Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, 110(3), pp. 235-250. (doi: 10.1111/tesg.12305)

Abstract

Quantitative indices of segregation are powerful tools for summarising the spatial relationships between population groups and thereby providing the basis for analysis and public policy intervention. While the broad concept of segregation may be intuitive, measurement is challenging because of the complexity of varied dimensions and spatial arrangements. Many traditional measures can be criticised for over-simplification or over-reduction, not least in their treatment of geographical space. Over the last several decades, however, a series of measures has been developed to explicitly incorporate the spatial arrangement of population groups as well as their interactions. This paper reviews the development of spatial segregation measures, particularly focusing on the mathematical formulation of spatial arrangement/relations. In addition, several related issues are discussed, including representation of spatial interaction, spatial scale and statistical inferences. Also, this paper presents an overview of existing software tools that are readily available for calculating some of the reviewed measures. Finally, discussions on challenges and future research are provided.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Yao, Dr Jing and Minton, Dr Jonathan and Bailey, Professor Nick
• Authors: Yao, J., Wong, D. W.S., Bailey, N., and Minton, J.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Journal Name: Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0040-747X
• ISSN (Online): 1467-9663
• Published Online: 20 February 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG
• First Published: First published in Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie 110(3): 235-250
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy