Are Australia’s suburbs swamped by Asians and Muslims? Countering political claims with data

Recent decades have seen substantial growth across many developed-world countries of right-wing populist political parties whose policies oppose immigration and multiculturalism as threats to the majority way of life there. These are exemplified in Australia by Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party, which was successful at elections there at the turn of the twenty-first century and again in 2016. Part of this party’s rhetoric focuses on the geography of immigrant groups in Australia’s cities, with claims that their members live in ghettos. Is that factually correct? Using data from the 2011 Australian census this paper analyses the distribution of Asians and Muslims (the two groups picked out by One Nation and its leader) at four spatial scales within the country’s 11 largest urban areas. It finds no evidence at all of intensive residential segregation of Muslims, and although there are concentrations of Asians—notably in Sydney and Melbourne—most residents claiming Asian ancestry live in neighbourhoods and suburbs where they form a minority (in many cases a small minority) only of the local population.     

Where immigrants live: capturing ethnic segregation at the local level in two Australian cities

Although the consequences of residential segregation are well documented, few studies to date have examined patterns of residential segregation at the local level in Australia. While available research indicates relatively low levels of residential segregation in Australia compared to other contexts, the traditional measures of segregation commonly utilised tend to be aspatial and global in nature and, as such, offer limited insight into local segregation trends. Considering these shortcomings, this paper employs two highly spatialised yet under-utilised local segregation measures—Location Quotients and Local Moran’s I. Using these measures, this paper explores how various immigrant groups are spatially distributed across two Australian cities with differing immigration histories—Sydney an established immigrant gateway and Brisbane a relatively new immigrant destination. Additionally, this article examines whether or not immigrant neighbourhoods in each city are co-located or isolated. Contrary to expectations that Australian neighbourhoods are multicultural, these findings demonstrate clear differences in the neighbourhoods where immigrant groups settle.     

Multiscale Segregation: Multilevel Modeling of Dissimilarity—Challenging the Stylized Fact That Segregation Is Greater the Finer the Spatial Scale

A very large literature has explored the intensity of urban residential segregation using the index of dissimilarity. Several recent studies have undertaken such analyses at multiple spatial scales, invariably reaching the conclusion that the finer grained the spatial scale, the greater the segregation. Such findings, however, overstate the intensity of segregation at finer spatial scales because they fail to take into account an argument made by Duncan et al. some sixty years ago that indexes derived from fine-scale analyses must necessarily incorporate those from coarser scales, with the consequence that finer scale segregation is invariably overestimated. Moreover, most studies ignore stochastic variation that results in upward bias in the estimates of segregation. This article demonstrates the importance of a recently developed multilevel modeling procedure that identifies the “true” intensity of segregation at every level in a spatial hierarchy net of its intensity at other levels and also net of stochastic variation This is illustrated by both a simulated data set and an empirical study of an English city, with the latter raising important substantive issues regarding the interpretation of segregation patterns and the processes underlying them. Key Words: dissimilarity, multilevel modeling, scale, segregation.     

Sydney's Ethnic Geography: New approaches to analysing patterns of residential concentration

Most studies of ethnic residential segregation in Australian cities have used single-measure indices of dissimilarity and segregation, which access the degree of unevenness between two maps. Segregation is a multi-dimensional concept, however, and in this paper we introduce an alternative way of measuring residential concentration which incorporates several of the key dimensions. The procedure is illustrated using birthplace and language-used-at-home data for collection districts in metropolitan Sydney in 1996. Results show no evidence of extreme spatial concentration of ethnic groups.     

宁杭城市多时空尺度居住空间分异与比较

城市居住分异具有社会群体与住宅空间的社会—空间双重属性,已有研究多关注社会经济属性,采用非空间分异指数开展单个城市和较大尺度的实证分析,较难有效反映中国当前城市内部日趋复杂多变、异质破碎的居住分异景观。基于住宅空间视角,采用多群体分异指数、空间分异曲线、指数分解模型与地理探测器等方法,以南京、杭州为案例城市,从街道、街区与网格3个尺度,分析宁杭2009—2018年居住空间分异及其影响因素。研究表明：空间分异指数因考虑到住宅空间位置和邻域环境,可作为对非空间分异指数的一种改进;南京不同住宅类型空间分异程度高于杭州,主要是由城市空间结构差异造成的;居住空间分异是城市社会空间资源非均衡配置的结果,其中“中心位势”和“教育配套”等因素对城市居住空间分异的影响最为显著;宁杭城市居住空间分异的共性与特性并存,揭示出城市比较研究的可行性与必要性。通过创新性探索,为中国城市居住分异研究提供新视角、新方法和新思维。     

Changing patterns of residential and workplace segregation in the Stockholm metropolitan area

Immigrant–native segregation is present in the spaces in which individuals from different ethnic/racial groups practice their everyday lives; interact with others and develop their ethnic, social and spatial networks. The overwhelming majority of academic research on immigrant segregation has focused on the residential domain, thus largely overlooking other arenas of daily interaction. The present study contributes to the emerging literature on immigrant residential and workplace segregation by examining changes in patterns of residential and workplace segregation over time. We draw our data from the Stockholm metropolitan region, Sweden’s main port of entry for immigrants. The results suggest a close association between residential and workplace segregation. Immigrant groups that are more segregated at home are also more segregated in workplace neighborhoods. More importantly, we found that a changing segregation level in one domain tends to involve a similar trend in the other domain.     

Unraveling the multi-scalar residential segregation and socio-spatial differentiation in China: A comparative study based on Nanjing and Hangzhou

Residential segregation is a dual process of socio-spatial differentiation in residents and spatio-temporal heterogeneity in dwelling.However,most of the existing studies are es-tablished from the single perspective of urban residents based on demographic data,which is difficult to reveal the dynamics and complex spatial reconstruction within and between cities.With the characteristics of both stability and timeliness,the rapidly changing housing market is one of the processes and results of socio-spatial reconfiguration,and it is undoubtedly a better lens to observe residential segregation.This paper adopts methods such as multi-group segregation index,multi-scalar segregation profiles,and decomposition of segregation index,with Nanjing and Hangzhou as case cities,and establishes multi-scalar segregation profiles and comparative models based on three geographical scales of census tract,block and grid,and different residential types.A quantitative study was conducted on the degree and pattern of multi-scalar residential segregation in Nanjing and Hangzhou from 2009 to 2018.The pa-per found that the spatial segregation index is an improvement of the non-spatial segregation index.There are differences between Nanjing and Hangzhou in the evolution process of residential segregation.Nanjing has a higher degree of spatial differentiation as a whole,among which spatial components have a more significant impact.     

Segregation and Residential Mobility of Vietnamese Immigrants in Brisbane,Australia

The study focuses on residential mobility propensities of Vietnamese immigrants in the city of Brisbane, Australia, as a principal force contributing to the persistence or change of ethnic residential segregation over time. Using 1990 survey data, discrete-time logit models are estimated to assess the effects of locational, contextual, and personal characteristics on the likelihood of changing residence within the city. The results indicate that locational variables operate in such a way that the most dominant Vietnamese neighborhood in Brisbane increases its prominence even further, while secondary Vietnamese clusters are likely to weaken. The results also indicate that initial settlement conditions are important for the first move only, whereas personal attributes contribute to variations in mobility propensities primarily in the second move. This implies that the composition of the immigrant population potentially influences the speed at which changes in ethnic residential patterns will occur in urban areas.     

Segregation and Residential Mobility of Vietnamese Immigrants in Brisbane,Australia

The study focuses on residential mobility propensities of Vietnamese immigrants in the city of Brisbane, Australia, as a principal force contributing to the persistence or change of ethnic residential segregation over time. Using 1990 survey data, discrete-time logit models are estimated to assess the effects of locational, contextual, and personal characteristics on the likelihood of changing residence within the city. The results indicate that locational variables operate in such a way that the most dominant Vietnamese neighborhood in Brisbane increases its prominence even further, while secondary Vietnamese clusters are likely to weaken. The results also indicate that initial settlement conditions are important for the first move only, whereas personal attributes contribute to variations in mobility propensities primarily in the second move. This implies that the composition of the immigrant population potentially influences the speed at which changes in ethnic residential patterns will occur in urban areas.     

北京不同收入家庭的居住隔离状态研究

利用北京2009 年大规模居民调查问卷数据,以各街区居民为研究对象,根据收入状况将调查人群划分成贫困家庭、工薪家庭和富裕家庭。采用隔离指数分析方法,研究北京47 个街区3 类家庭的居住隔离空间分布状况,运用聚类分析法对隔离度值分类,提取出14 个居住隔离显著的区域进行重点分析。结果表明,三环以内无居住隔离显著区域,居住隔离现象从四环以外开始显著;富裕人群聚集区内居民学历和工作职位都相对较高,大多拥有自购商品房,而贫困人群聚集区内居民学历和工作职位都较低,一般居住在经济适用房和破旧民宅中;贫困、富裕人群聚集区域对于城市基础设施和公共服务设施的数量、质量等方面的占用比例差异很大。     

New perspectives on ethnic segregation over time and space. A domains approach

Ethnic segregation has most often been studied at the place of residence, segregation being defined on the basis of the relative presence of different groups within city neighbourhoods. It is increasingly recognized, however, that segregation occurs in different ways in different domains (such as the workplace, leisure, social media, etc.), the residential domain being just one of many in which segregation can occur. In this research note we present the domains approach to segregation and outline some its conceptual, methodological and empirical underpinnings and challenges.     

Fragmented Urban Spaces? Ethnic Residential Areas in New Zealand Cities, 1996

Residential segregation of ethnic groups is a major feature of cities in multi‐cultural societies such as New Zealand's. Measuring the degree of segregation has been the focus of much attention over the last half century, but there are difficulties with comparative studies using most of the measures adopted. An alternative procedure which classifies residential areas according to a homogeneity‐heterogeneity continuum is applied here to 1996 census small‐scale data for each of New Zealand's 33 main urban areas, to identify the degree of segregation of various ethnic groups. It reports that most New Zealanders from all ethnic groups (defined by self‐identity) live in mixed rather than exclusive residential areas. The main ethnic enclaves/ghettos are occupied by Maori and Pacific Islanders, and are entirely concentrated in the North Island, especially in urban areas which have substantial Polynesian populations.     

And Did the Walls Come Tumbling Down? Ethnic Residential Segregation in Four U.S. Metropolitan Areas 1980-2000

The initial releases of data from the 2000 U.S. Census allow exploration of the extent of change, if any, in residential segregation in four major cities, where substantial population growth has continued to generate increased ethnic diversity. Using a recently established method of classifying residential areas according to their ethnic composition which facilitates comparative study over time and space, this paper examines segregation trends in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami over the period 1980-2000 in the context of recent discussions of the nature of residential patterns there. It finds that though there has been some reduction in the extent of extreme segregation areas that are predominantly either White or African American with consequent greater ethnic mixing at the census tract level, nevertheless cores of extreme segregation remain, and these are being extended with greater segregation of the Hispanic population. Ethnic residential segregation in United States' metropolitan areas attracted much research throughout the 20th century, with each census providing new impetus for mapping and analysis. The 2000 census will be no exception, providing data with which the extent of change can be assessed after a further decade in which discrimination on the grounds of race and color was illegal. This paper provides an initial exploration for four metropolitan areas that have experienced substantial recent multi-ethnic in-migration. Using a method for classifying residential areas designed to facilitate comparative studies over space and time, it explores the extent of desegregation during the previous 20 years for each of the four main census ethnic groups.     

A comparative approach towards ethnic segregation patterns in Belgian cities using multiscalar individualized neighborhoods

Levels of spatial segregation in Western European cities are persistent over space and time. To demonstrate the degree or appearance of spatial segregation, most studies on urban residential patterns still rely on fixed spatial units, aspatial measures and single scales. However, a spatial or temporal comparison of patterns and levels of segregation based on such units or metrics is not without problems. To that end, this paper takes an explicit geographic approach and considers individualized neighborhoods using EquiPop-software, allowing various scales. Using the k-nearest neighbors for all individuals increases international comparability and facilitates interpretation, so far often hampered in segregation research. This multiscalar, multigroup comparative approach on ethnic urban geographies – using Belgium as a case study – provides an empirical illustration of a valuable method and tool applicable in segregation research, thereby furthering the comprehension of the increasingly diverse urban geographies and building on emerging work in the US, Europe and beyond.     

基于共享度的上海郊区社区居民活动空间隔离及其影响因素

在流动性不断增强与居民活动模式日益多样化的背景下,城市社会空间分异与隔离的内涵不断扩展,居民在日常生活中面临的空间隔离受到关注。以活动空间为基础的社会空间分异研究快速兴起,以期从更加动态的视角理解城市社会空间。基于上海市郊区问卷调查数据,构建活动空间共享度指标,建立个体尺度的活动空间分异指数和孤立指数,刻画社区内不同收入群体的活动空间隔离状况,并建立活动空间共享度的多层模型分析活动空间隔离的影响因素。研究发现居住在同一社区的不同收入居民之间存在活动空间隔离,居民更愿意与其社会经济属性相似的人共享活动空间。活动空间隔离程度受到个体社会经济属性、社区设施状况、社区周边环境、社区人口密度和社会混合程度等因素的影响,居住在人口密度高、社会混合度高、社区商业配置良好、公共空间充足的开放社区能提高居民的活动空间共享度,增加不同群体社会接触的可能性。     

Spatial Modelling in Forest Ecology and Management: A Case Study. Edited by M. JANSEN,M. JUDAS and J. SABOROWSKI (Berlin: Springer Verlag, 2002). [Pp. xiii+225]. ISBN 3-540-43357-0. Price €89.95. Hardback

Urban segregation has received increasing attention in the literature due to the negative impacts that it has on urban populations. Indices of urban segregation are useful instruments for understanding the problem as well as for setting up public policies. The usefulness of spatial segregation indices depends on their ability to account for the spatial arrangement of population and to show how segregation varies across the city. This paper proposes global spatial indices of segregation that capture interaction among population groups at different scales. We also decompose the global indices to obtain local spatial indices of segregation, which enable visualization and exploration of segregation patterns. We propose the use of statistical tests to determine the significance of the indices. The proposed indices are illustrated using an artificial dataset and a case study of socio‐economic segregation in São José dos Campos (SP, Brazil).     

The influence of housing oversupply on residential segregation: exploring the post-socialist city of Leipzig†

In this article, we contribute to a better understanding of contextual differences related to residential segregation. We illuminate one specific contextual factor—housing oversupply—and how it intersects with historically inherited patterns of socio-spatial differentiation and other drivers of residential segregation. The study is based on an analysis of how segregation has developed over the last 20 years in the city of Leipzig, Germany. This case offers the rare possibility of studying the impact of city-wide housing oversupply on residential segregation, rather than concentrating on decline or decay in specific areas. We examine how oversupply emerged at the meeting point of changes in market structures, housing preferences, welfare state interventions, and migration trends in the post-socialist transition. Using existing statistical data, we demonstrate how oversupply has fostered a fast and thorough reshuffling of residential patterns. After a period of resolving segregation patterns from the socialist era, oversupply acts as a catalyst for recently emerging residential segregation patterns.     

Looking beyond the neighbourhood: income inequality and residential segregation in Swedish metropolitan areas, 1991–2010

In recent years, residential segregation has become a major issue in the Swedish policy debate. The prevailing view is that residential segregation is a crucial contributing factor to the development of income inequality, since individual income prospects are thought to be influenced by the population characteristics of their neighbourhoods. This study takes the opposite approach and analyses the extent to which, in the period 1991–2010, rising income inequality contributed to the development of residential segregation by income in Swedish metropolitan areas. The period was characterized by unprecedented growth in income inequality, which was associated with a decline in the redistributive power of the welfare state. Residential segregation by income mirrored locally the general trend in income inequality. Another factor was the change in income dispersion in neighbourhoods, relative to the metropolitan areas as a whole, which indicates a tendency towards increased population homogeneity in neighbourhoods with respect to income.     

RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION BY SOCIOECONOMIC CLASS IN METROPOLITAN MIAMI: 1990

This paper investigates the proposition that socioeconomic status explains a significant amount of the residential segregation between Hispanics, non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and non-Hispanic others (mainly Asians) in metropolitan Miami. First, we test to determine if there is significant segregation within each of the four ethnic groups and we find that there is, except for Blacks. Although the index of dissimilarity suggests that there is segregation by socioeconomic status within Miami's Black population, map analysis reveals that this is not the case. Furthermore, we find that socioeconomic status is not an important factor explaining metropolitan Miami's segregation patterns between these four ethnic groups. When it comes to residential segregation, Miami is similar to most other American cities. This is a significant finding because several recent studies have suggested that standard assimilation theory does not apply to Miami, and segregation is one aspect of assimilation.     

Mapping the multiple geographies of mixed-ethnicity couples in Australia

Mixed-ethnicity partnerships are becoming increasingly common in Australia and other countries of high immigration. Formal and de facto marriages involving partners from different ethnic backgrounds are key indicators of decreasing social distance between groups. Yet mixed-ethnicity couples have received scant attention from Australian geographers. We use customised data from the 2011 Australian census to analyse the nation-wide distribution of several types of mixed-ethnicity couples. We focus on couples comprised of an Anglo-European (ethnic majority) partner, and a partner from a ‘visible’ ethnic minority group. Our analyses explore the residential geographies of mixed-ethnicity couples vis-à-vis ‘co-ethnic couples’ (where partners share the same ethnicity). We find that mixed-ethnicity couples are more widely dispersed across Australian cities and regions than comparative co-ethnic couples. However, each type of mixed-ethnicity couple has its own unique residential pattern: there are multiple geographies of mixed-ethnicity couples in Australia. These distinctive patterns reflect the migration and settlement histories of the couples’ constituent ethnic groups, but also hold great potential to shift seemingly entrenched ethnic residential geographies in the present and future.