On the Measure of Geographic Segregation
Abstract
Although measures of segregation are widely discussed, this paper presents a critical review of several available indices, with a special focus on their spatial attributes. These indices are applied to a hypothetical case, as well as to the case of Indianapolis. The results suggest that if interest is a-spatial, then traditional indices of dissimilarity are satisfactory structural measures of segregation over a data unit. However, if a meaningful measure of territorial segregation is desired, then an interaction-based measure appears to be the most consistent and desirable approach.References
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