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The Social Context of Spatial Choice: Activity Locations and Residential Segregation
Liang Cai1, Christopher Browning2, Luc Anselin3
1Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Demography
|February 23, 2026
Summary
Residential racial segregation influences mobility patterns. Individuals, regardless of race, are drawn to White clustered segregated neighborhoods due to perceived advantages, impacting urban mobility and segregation dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Urban Sociology
- Spatial Analysis
- Racial Segregation Studies
Background:
- Limited research exists on how residential racial segregation and clustered segregated spaces influence individual mobility.
- Existing studies often overlook the role of clustered segregation in shaping daily activity spaces.
- Big location data has increased but not yet been fully leveraged to analyze segregation's impact on mobility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of residential racial segregation and contiguous segregated clusters (CSCs) on individuals' selection of key activity neighborhoods.
- To compare mobility choices of White and Black individuals within Chicago, considering their residential CSC status.
- To test urban sociological theories regarding neighborhood selection criteria.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diverse spatial data sources to analyze mobility patterns in Chicago.
- Employed discrete choice models to compare activity neighborhood selections for White and Black individuals.
- Stratified analysis based on residence within contiguous segregated clusters (CSCs).
Main Results:
- Clustered residential segregation significantly impacts individual decision-making regarding activity spaces.
- All groups showed a preference for White CSC neighborhoods, irrespective of their own residential segregation status.
- White residents displayed geographic isolation, avoiding Black segregated areas. Black residents from Black CSCs were drawn to White CSCs for advantages.
Conclusions:
- Residential segregation, particularly its clustered form, actively shapes routine mobility and neighborhood choice.
- Perceived institutional, amenity, and crime-related advantages drive Black residents towards White CSCs.
- Findings suggest potential for behavioral nudges to influence desegregation policies and promote more integrated mobility.
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