Social Exclusion and Segregation in Cities

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Questions and Answers

What does residential segregation primarily refer to?

The spatial separation of social groups within a geographic area. (correct)

The physical separation of individuals based on their age.

The economic disparity between different neighborhoods.

The integration of diverse social groups in urban settings.

What factor can influence the tendency to move to a socially similar neighborhood?

The distance to the nearest park.

The level of educational attainment.

The socioeconomic status of an individual's family.

The social distance between an individual and their neighborhood. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a characteristic basis for residential segregation?

Family structure

Physical appearance (correct)

Socioeconomic status

Religion

What are new social risks associated with social exclusion?

Retrenchment of welfare regimes and shrinking social ties. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society is being compromised due to social exclusion?

The capacity for social integration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of character stigmas?

Attributes related to perceived morally reprehensible behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy involves hiding a stigmatized attribute?

Dissimulation Signup and view all the answers

How can negative associations about a territory arise?

Through public policies and political discourse. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of residential segregation?

Constrained economic and educational opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What does self-perception in stigmatized areas often lead to?

Internalization of feelings of social exclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What are protective effects of residential segregation particularly beneficial for?

Newcomers seeking familiar environments. Signup and view all the answers

What impact can stigmatization have on individuals living in a territory perceived as dangerous?

Discrimination in job markets and housing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a frequent outcome of territorial stigmatization?

Social exclusion and marginalization. Signup and view all the answers

What does the dissimilarity index measure in urban settings?

The evenness of population distribution across neighborhoods Signup and view all the answers

How is a ghetto defined in the context of urban sociology?

A spatially concentrated area that limits a particular population group Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an enclave?

To enhance the economic and social development of a specific group Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a hyperghetto from a traditional ghetto?

Higher levels of racialized marginality due to policy actions Signup and view all the answers

What is territorial stigmatization?

The process of attaching a negative image to particular neighborhoods Signup and view all the answers

According to the sociological perspective, what is stigma?

A social discredit affecting individuals or groups Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a citadel in spatial terms?

It serves to protect the interests of a dominant group Signup and view all the answers

What range on the dissimilarity index indicates low levels of segregation?

0-30 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Segregation is the spatial separation of two or more social groups within a geographic area (e.g., city, county).
Studies often examine how racial, ethnic, or national origin groups live in different neighborhoods.
Segregation can be based on various characteristics, including religion, family structure, or socioeconomic status.
Segregation occurs at different geographic levels (residential block, state, country).

Definition of Segregation

Residential segregation generally refers to the spatial separation of two or more social groups within a defined geographic area.
Scholarship commonly explores the extent to which groups (defined by race, ethnicity, nationality) live in distinct neighborhoods.
Groups may also be residentially segregated based on other characteristics, like religion, family structure, or socioeconomic status.

Mumbai, India

Image/example of a city with varying residential concentrations.

A 50+ year-old Chicago study found that spatial distance increases with social distance.
High and low social categories tend to be highly segregated.
Social mixing may happen, but only amongst groups with similar social statuses.

Factors contributing to social exclusion include labor market transformations, shrinking social ties, and welfare regime retrenchment.
The working poor are on the rise and growing in number.
Social exclusion involves the marginalization and separation of individuals from society, leading to breaks in social ties.
Society's capacity for integration diminishes, leading to isolation, fragmentation, and poverty niches.

Measuring Segregation: Dissimilarity Index

The dissimilarity index measures the evenness of people's distribution across neighborhoods in a city or metropolitan area.
The index ranges from 0 to 100.
Below 30: Low levels of segregation.
30-60: Moderate segregation.
Over 60: High segregation.

Segregation in 2011 (England)

Data visualizes segregation levels in Greater London, London (+100kms), and England.
Data displays segregation levels for different ethnic groups (White British, Bangladeshi, Black African...).
Visual representation shows index of dissimilarity relative to all other ethnic groups.

Ghetto, Enclave, and Citadel (Marcuse)

Ghetto: A spatially concentrated area designed to separate and limit an involuntary population group perceived as inferior by the dominant society.
Outcast ghetto: A ghetto with class and ethnicity factors, excluding residents from mainstream economic life.
Enclave: A concentrated area where members of a specific group congregate to enhance economic, social, political, or cultural development.
Citadel: A concentrated area where a superior group congregates to protect or enhance its position.

Stigma and Stigmatization

Stigma is a social discredit based on characteristics deemed deviant from dominant norms (Goffman).
Stigma can affect individuals and/or groups.
Types of stigma include physical, character, and group stigma.
Strategies for managing stigma include dissimulation, correction, and acceptance.

Negative Associations/Effects of Segregation

Negative associations with an area can stem from socioeconomic conditions, crime, or urban decay.
Media, policies, and discourse can create and reinforce negative perceptions.
Such stigma impacts inhabitants, potentially leading to discrimination in job markets, housing, and service access.
Self-perception can align with negative associations, creating social exclusion.
Territorial stigmatization creates a vicious cycle.

Residential Segregation's Effects and Protective Factors

The concentration of ethnic, national origin, or socioeconomic groups in particular neighborhoods.
Effects include limited residential choices, restricted opportunities, concentrated poverty, and social exclusion.
Segregation doesn't necessarily indicate a significant social crisis.
Positive aspects include a familiar environment, social networks, information exchange, support, and self-employment funding—particularly beneficial for new comers.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of social exclusion and segregation, particularly in the context of different social groups living in distinct neighborhoods. It examines various factors that contribute to segregation, such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, with examples from cities like Mumbai, India. Test your knowledge on how these dynamics impact communities at different geographic levels.