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Hypersegregation in U.S. Metropolitan Areas: Black and Hispanic Segregation Along Five Dimensions

Demography volume 26, pages 373–391 (1989)Cite this article

Abstract

Residential segregation has traditionally been measured by using the index of dissimilarity and, more recently, the P * exposure index. These indices, however, measure only two of five potential dimensions of segregation and, by themselves, understate the degree of black segregation in U.S. society. Compared with Hispanics, not only are blacks more segregated on any single dimension of residential segregation, they are also likely to be segregated on all five dimensions simultaneously, which never occurs for Hispanics. Moreover, in a significant subset of large urban areas, blacks experience extreme segregation on all dimensions, a pattern we call hypersegregation. This finding is upheld and reinforced by a multivariate analysis. We conclude that blacks occupy a unique and distinctly disadvantaged position in the U.S. urban environment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Population Research Center, NORC/University of Chicago, 1155 E. 60th Street, 60637, Chicago, Illinois

    Douglas S. Massey & Nancy A. Denton

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  1. Douglas S. Massey
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  2. Nancy A. Denton
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Massey, D.S., Denton, N.A. Hypersegregation in U.S. Metropolitan Areas: Black and Hispanic Segregation Along Five Dimensions. Demography 26, 373–391 (1989). https://doi.org/10.2307/2061599

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Keywords

  • Metropolitan Area
  • Concentration Index
  • Central Business District
  • Residential Segregation
  • Areal Unit