Aspatial and Spatial Applications of Indices of Uneven Distribution

Abstract

The difference of means formulations of indices of uneven distribution makes it relatively straightforward to implement segregation measurement in either conventional aspatial formulations or in spatial formulations. Aspatial versions of segregation indices are familiar because they are widely used in empirical studies. They are obtained by applying any of the computing formulas reviewed here using data for non-overlapping, bounded areas such as census tracts, block groups, or blocks. It is appropriate to designate the resulting scores as “aspatial” because the spatial arrangements of the units (e.g., blocks, block groups, tracts) have no implications for the scores obtained. Spatial formulations would differ on this key point; namely, the spatial arrangement of units can potentially impact index scores.