Comparative study of socio-economic segregation in European cities: 2001-2011-2021

Abstract

This comparative study of socio-economic segregation in European cities, involving researchers from 16 European countries, aims to examine the evolving geography of segregation over a 20-yeartimeframe and provide an up-to-date understanding of residential socio-economic segregation. By utilising three data points and a substantial number of case studies, this study stands out in its ability to offer a comprehensive observation and analysis of the levels and spatial dynamics of residential segregation in Europe. To achieve this, the study addresses the following research questions:

1. What are the current levels of residential socio-economic segregation in European cities? Do levels of segregation continue to increase?
2. How have the patterns of segregation changed over the past 20 years, and are these patterns and their trends of change similar between European cities?
3. What are the key factors contributing to the observed levels and spatial changes of residential segregation in European cities?

The paper includes the following case studies associated with the author teams with in-depth local knowledge and access to data: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bratislava, Dublin, Helsinki, Lisbon, London, Oslo, Paris, Prague, Riga, Rome, Stockholm, Tallinn, Vilnius and Warsaw. To ensure comparability, researchers adopted a consistent definition of functional urban areas and used small spatial units to analyse segregation levels and spatial patterns, following a pre-established and unified methodology. The empirical analysis draws on census or register-based data, from approximately 2001, 2011, and 2021. Socio-economic groups are distinguished based on occupational status and classified into Top, Middle, and Bottom categories. The study is currently in advanced progress.