Social Exclusion and Segregation in Cities

Social Exclusion and Segregation

• 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.

Spatial and Social Distance

• 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.

New Social Risks

• 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.