The Spaces between Us: A Spatial Analysis of Informal Segregation at a South African University

Abstract

In many contemporary societies, the potential benefits of racial integration are undermined by de facto or informal segregation. The present research focuses on this phenomenon, and its role in (re)producing group boundaries, particularly those realized spatially. A multimethod approach was employed. Naturalistic observational techniques were used to examine the seating patterns of 26 undergraduate tutorial groups across a full academic year. Results from the longitudinal study show strong patterns of racial segregation. Focus group discussions were conducted in order to explore the social practices and processes that underlie informal segregation. We argue that an implicit system of unofficial rules governs intergroup relations and shapes contact opportunities among students. The perpetuation of racially homogenous spaces-intentionally or incidentally-is proposed as both a key outcome and as a key determinant.

The Impact of Crossgroup Friendships in South Africa: Affective Mediators and Multigroup Comparisons

“…Together with other South African findings (e.g., Tredoux & Finchilescu, this issue) the present research reiterates the importance of multicultural educational environments in South Africa as a means for providing individuals from largely racially homogeneous communities with the opportunity for engaging in positive contacts with outgroup members, as such contacts are regularly associated with more positive intergroup emotions and outgroup attitudes (Pettigrew, 1998). Increased opportunities for contact have been shown to be a significant predictor of actual intergroup contact in European studies (e.g., Turner et al, 2007; but see Alexander & Tredoux, this issue; Dixon & Durrheim, 2003).…”

Commentary: South African Contributions to the Study of Intergroup Relations

“…Alexander and Tredoux (this issue) pursue the problem further by checking on the voluntary seating of groups in small seminars at the University of Cape Town. Without intervention by the instructors, initial patterns of seating segregation by group largely persist over the semester.…”

Intergroup Anxiety in Interracial Interaction: The Role of Prejudice and Metastereotypes

“…Recent research, particularly in South Africa, has focused on the “microecology of contact,” typically in naturally occurring conditions of contact between races (Dixon, Tredoux, Durrheim, Finchilescu, & Clack, 2008; Durrheim & Dixon, 2005). Observational studies in South Africa of the behavior of members of different race groups in a variety of settings, including beaches, nightclubs, dining halls, and public spaces in universities have shown that the groups tend to self‐segregate and avoid intergroup interactions (Alexander & Tredoux, this issue; Dixon & Durrheim, 2003; Schrieff, Tredoux, Dixon, & Finchilescu, 2005; Tredoux, Dixon, Underwood, Nunez, & Finchilescu, 2005). University campuses have been a focal site for contact research as they represent spaces in which students of different races come together on as close to an equal basis as is likely in South Africa.…”