Residential Segregation and Accessibility: Exploring Inequalities in Urban Resources Access Among Social Groups

Residential segregation refers to the spatial separation between two or more social groups in urban areas. Originating from scholars of the Chicago School, this topic has since consolidated over time within the fields of urban and sociological studies. In the European context, the growing social disparities and levels of segregation experienced by cities in recent years have renewed interest in the study of the spatial distribution of groups and urban inequalities at both macro and local levels. While not inherently negative, segregation can lead to the formation of urban areas with distinct social compositions and unequal distribution of resources and services. These factors can shape the opportunity/constraint structure of individuals, perpetuating and transmitting social inequalities. Therefore, based on their social position, population groups can experience varying access to urban resources. Some benefit from a range of services like mobility, health, and education, while others face challenges in accessing resources and opportunities, with consequences in terms of exclusion and social cohesion. Building on these premises, this work aimed to delve into urban inequalities by combining residential segregation analysis with spatial accessibility analysis to gain a more comprehensive understanding of how and to what extent the social composition of urban areas intersects with differentiated access to urban resources. To achieve this goal, the study relied on quantitative and spatial methods of analysis applied to the Italian municipality of Naples.