SPATIAL INDEXES OF SEGREGATION

Segregation is commonly measured by means of an index of dissimilarity . A recent 'boundary modified' version of the index was formulated. It was based upon the concept that segregation is a separation created b y spatial structure imposed upon the social space and thus interaction between racial groups is limited. The index takes into account one of the spatial elements-contiguity-but ignores the others. This paper ar gues that the length of the common boundary between two areal units an d the shape of the areal units are important spatial components in det ermining segregation. Thus, a family of segregation indices is derived by incorporating these spatial components and can be applied to vario us spatial configurations. One of the indices possesses a distinctive property which is useful for comparing segregation levels in regions o f various scales.