The role of vertical segregation in urban social processes

It is common knowledge that urban neighborhoods have diverse and unequal social profiles, and this makes a difference for the life prospects of their residents. We know much less about social separation and hierarchies within neighborhoods (micro-segregation), that is, in the micro scale of city blocks and apartment buildings. Vertical segregation is a form of micro-segregation embodied by positions of advantage or disadvantage according to the floor of residence. Is vertical segregation exceptional or can we locate it in many different cities? Does it make a difference for the life prospects of urbanites if they live in the advantaged or disadvantaged parts of such micro-segregated spaces? This text defines vertical segregation and its importance for urban studies and for cities more generally. It brings some case studies from Athens and other cities in the world to illustrate how this type of segregation appears.