An Asymmetrical Approach to Segregation

Abstract

The index of dissimilarity has been the most widely used measure of residential segregation in sociology for nearly 25 years. The index is not only easily computed, but has the added attraction of being readily interpreted. It describes the percentage of one group or the other which would have to move if there was to be no segregation between the groups. An analysis of Southern cities indicates sharply lower white isolation than in the North throughout the 1890—1930 period. Although black isolation increases in all cities, a very mixed pattern exists for whites: increases in four cities, declines in three, and no change in six. The pattern is very much in keeping with the notion that whites are simply trying to maintain a certain constant high level of isolation from blacks.

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