Spatial and Socioeconomic Analysis of Latin Americans and Whites in the Toronto CMA

This study had three objectives: (1) to determine whether the degree of residential segregation between Latin Americans and whites in the Toronto CMA was higher than the residential segregation between whites and other visible minority groups; (2) to determine the spatial distribution of Latin Americans and whites by census tracts; and (3) to determine the differences in the socioeconomic quality of the neighborhoods where the two groups reside. Data from Statistics Canada’ s 1996 Proe le Series were used. An index of dissimilarity was used to measure segregation and a composite socioeconomic index was constructed to assess inequality in the socioeconomic characteristics of neighborhoods where the two groups reside. The results revealed that Latin Americans and whites are not highly segregated in terms of residence. Yet, socioeconomic inequality between whites and Latin American neighborhoods is very evident. Whites are disproportionately occupying the highest quality neighborhoods while the Latin Americans are disproportionately residing in poorer quality neighborhoods. The differences may be due to several factors including the recent immigration status of Latin Americans and discrimination.