Changes in ethnic spatial segregation across English housing market areas (2001-2011): identifying ethnic and context configurations

Using a combination of segregation indices – calculated with aggregated census data obtained for small geographies (lower layer super output areas, LSOAs) – the paper shows levels and changes in spatial segregation in eight housing market areas (HMAs) in England between 2001 and 2011, for the six most numerous non-white ethnic minority groups (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Caribbean, and African). The double comparison between HMAs and between groups, together with the use of different measures of segregation, enables identifying different patterns of segregation, as well as ‘ethnic’ and ‘context’ configurations. Specifically, while some segregation patterns are distinctive to certain ethnic minority groups independently of their location, others are specific to some or most groups residing in certain contexts. As examples of the first, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis’ segregation levels are often the highest, independently of their HMA of residence; and also seem to be following specific (and contrasting) patterns of change over time. As regards context configurations, Birmingham appears as a favourable context for changes in spatial segregation, while the opposite is observed for Leicester and Bradford.