Towards a new paradigm for segregation measurement in an age of big data

Abstract

Recent theoretical and methodological advances in activity space and big data provide new opportunities to study socio-spatial segregation. This review first provides an overview of the literature in terms of measurements, spatial patterns, underlying causes, and social consequences of spatial segregation. These studies are mainly place-centred and static, ignoring the segregation experience across various activity spaces due to the dynamism of movements. In response to this challenge, we highlight the work in progress toward a new paradigm for segregation studies. Specifically, this review presents how and the extent to which activity space methods can advance segregation research from a people-based perspective. It explains the requirements of mobility-based methods for quantifying the dynamics of segregation due to high movement within the urban context. It then discusses and illustrates a dynamic and multi-dimensional framework to show how big data can enhance understanding segregation by capturing individuals’ spatio-temporal behaviours. The review closes with new directions and challenges for segregation research using big data.

Toward multidimensional activity space-based segregation research

“…However, there are some limitations to measuring segregation as a single indicator. In particular, the activity space size may not be sufficient to illustrate variations in opportunity accessibility and social contact (Li et al, 2022). In general, small activity spaces manifest constrained mobility with regard to participating in daily activities (Järv et al, 2015; Ta et al, 2021a; Tao et al, 2020).…”

“…It is difficult to accurately measure the differences in activity patterns of different groups by a single-dimensional measure (Park and Kwan, 2018; Wang et al, 2012). Additionally, it is a challenge to integrate the temporal, spatial, and social dimensions of activity space-based segregation (Li et al, 2022).…”

Exploring Urban Amenity Accessibility Within Residential Segregation: Evidence from Seoul's Apartment Housing

“…To delineate residential segregation spatially and socially, research has been con-ducted from various academic perspectives including urban planning, urban and social geography, and social sciences [3,[8][9][10][11]. Particularly from an urban planning perspective, residential segregation not only implies spatial/social separation but can also lead to inequalities in the use of urban amenities.…”

From Places to People: Human-centric Characterization of Life Activity Flood Exposure for Intra- and Inter-city Analysis

“…This human-centric perspective is critical for better characterizing the socio-economic risks of floods at individual and household levels. Existing studies have predominantly focused on static population distribution, mainly considering the residential locations Qiang et al (2017); Li et al (2016Li et al ( , 2022. Yet human activities are not confined to residential locations; they span a variety of locations described by daily visitation patterns, including workplaces, schools, recreation areas, and shopping centers Marcus and Francis (1997); Huang et al (2022); Klepeis et al (2001).…”