Age, gender, and cohort in residential segregation: The case of African immigrants in Spain, 2000–2020

Abstract

The composition of the immigrant population by gender and age, and characteristics at the moment of arrival plays an influential role in the levels of residential segregation reached, and in their evolution over time. In Spain, the African immigrant population is notable for a marked gender imbalance, where men outnumber women, and for continuous growth in the number of immigrants over the past two decades. It is also one of the groups presenting the highest levels of segregation. Using data from the Continuous Population Register, this study analyses the residential segregation of this group from the triple perspective of age, period, and cohort for the six main Spanish cities. The results reveal a significant differentiation in segregation levels by sex and age, with lower rates in the more recent cohorts. This perspective offers a dynamic view of segregation indicators and enables better understanding of its future evolution.