Socio-spatial segregation and human mobility: A review of empirical evidence (2403.06641v4)

Abstract: Socio-spatial segregation is the physical separation of different social, economic, or demographic groups within a geographic space, often resulting in unequal access to resources, services, and opportunities. The literature has traditionally focused on residential segregation, examining how individuals' residential locations are distributed differently across neighborhoods based on various social attributes, e.g., race, ethnicity, and income. However, this approach overlooks the complexity of spatial segregation in people's daily activities, which often extend far beyond residential areas. Since the 2010s, emerging mobility data sources have enabled a new understanding of socio-spatial segregation by considering daily activities such as work, school, shopping, and leisure visits. From traditional surveys to GPS trajectories, diverse data sources reveal that daily mobility can result in spatial segregation levels that differ from those observed in residential segregation. This literature review focuses on three critical questions: (a) What are the strengths and limitations of segregation research incorporating extensive mobility data? (b) How do human mobility patterns relate to individuals' residential vs. experienced segregation levels? and (c) What key factors explain the relationship between one's mobility patterns and experienced segregation? Our literature review enhances the understanding of socio-spatial segregation at the individual level and clarifies core concepts and methodological challenges in the field. Our review explores studies of key themes: segregation, activity space, co-presence, and the built environment. By synthesizing their findings, we aim to offer actionable insights for reducing segregation.

Overview of Socio-Spatial Segregation and Human Mobility

The paper "Socio-spatial segregation and human mobility: A review of empirical evidence" collates and critically assesses the vast literature on socio-spatial segregation, focusing on how individual mobility patterns influence this phenomenon. The paper synthesizes findings from both traditional data sources (such as travel surveys and census data) and emerging sources (e.g., GPS and mobile phone data), providing a comprehensive picture of the complex interplay between human mobility and urban segregation.

Key Findings and Research Questions

The paper centers around three critical questions: the contribution of individual mobility to segregation, the factors influencing this role, and the insights gleaned from incorporating extensive mobility data into segregation research. While traditional studies often focus on residential segregation, this paper highlights the significance of socio-spatial segregation encompassing daily activities and movement patterns. It acknowledges that daily mobility, through work, school, leisure, and other activities, can either reinforce or attenuate the segregation patterns observed solely based on residential data.

Evidence from Data and Methodologies

The paper elucidates the role of human mobility in socio-spatial segregation, assessed through both qualitative and quantitative lenses. Empirical studies employing traditional data sources, such as interviews and surveys, have shown that mobility has the potential to both reduce and reinforce segregation, with empirical mobility data providing a more nuanced understanding of segregation dynamics. Emerging data sources extend these paradigms by offering high-resolution spatiotemporal data, which helps capture the complexity of daily mobility patterns and their influence on segregation. However, challenges such as data bias and privacy concerns are prevalent with these large-scale data applications.

Disparities and Factors Influencing Segregation

The paper extensively discusses how socio-economic status, ethnicity, and lifestyle choices contribute to differing segregation experiences among individuals. Key influencing factors include access to transport, urban design, and housing policies, which govern the extent of mobility and exposure to diverse populations. Studies noted the pronounced effect of homophily, where individuals tend to interact within similar socio-economic or ethnic groups, further reinforcing segregation dynamics.

Implications and Future Research Directions

The implications of these findings are significant for urban planning and policy-making. By leveraging empirical mobility data, urban planners can better design spaces and transport systems that promote social integration and mitigate segregation. The authors urge further exploration of the causal relationships between socio-spatial segregation and dynamic mobility patterns, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach that combines urban planning with insights from transport and data science.

Conclusion

In summary, this paper offers a comprehensive review of the role of human mobility in socio-spatial segregation, bringing together diverse data sources and methodological approaches. It highlights the critical need for policies that consider both residential and dynamic activity spaces to address and reduce socio-spatial segregation effectively. Future research should aim to deepen the understanding of the socio-economic and cultural dimensions influencing mobility choices and their subsequent impact on segregation experiences.