Segregationsgrad

Segregationsgrad is a statistical concept used to describe the degree to which different population groups are spatially separated within a geographic area. It is commonly applied in urban studies, demography and sociology to assess residential segregation across neighborhoods, districts or municipalities. A higher Segregationsgrad indicates a more pronounced spatial separation of groups, while a lower score points to greater integration.

Several indices are used to quantify Segregationsgrad. The dissimilarity index (D) is one of the most widely applied: it measures the share of a group that would have to move within the area to achieve an even distribution. The index ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 denotes complete integration and 1 denotes complete segregation. The dissimilarity index can be extended to compare different groups or to multiple spatial units. Other commonly used measures include exposure (or isolation) indices, which quantify the probability that a person from one group shares a neighborhood with someone from the same or a different group, and entropy or Theil indices, which assess diversity and dispersion of populations across areas.

Data requirements and interpretation: calculating Segregationsgrad requires population counts by group within clearly defined spatial units (such as neighborhoods or census tracts) and knowledge of the total population in the area. Results depend on the choice of groups and the spatial unit, a caveat known as the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP).

Applications and limitations: Segregationsgrad informs policy discussions on housing, education and social integration and is used to monitor changes over time and compare regions. It does not capture all dimensions of segregation and should be interpreted alongside qualitative context.