Measuring Multiethnic Spatial Segregation

Abstract Several extensively used segregation measures have known limitations in differentiating various spatial configurations of population distribution. Recently, new segregation indices overcoming this deficiency were introduced, but are only applicable to unrealistic two-group situations. In this paper, I attempt to model multiethnic segregation on the basis of the notions that segregation refers to the spatial separation among ethnic groups and that interaction among population groups can reduce segregation. The level of segregation is reduced when interaction among ethnic groups increases. The spatial index introduced here is based on an existing segregation measure for a multigroup setting. I demonstrate that the proposed index is efficient in distinguishing different spatial patterns of multiethnic population and is able to reflect the potential for spatial interaction among groups. A simulation and an empirical study are used to illustrate the utility of the proposed index.