Significant correlations in residential segregation in medium-sized cities: The case of Ciudad Real (Spain)

Abstract

In the field of urban studies, residential segregation has traditionally been viewed as closely linked to social inequality. However, recent research in the European context has empirically demonstrated that this relationship is much more complex. From this perspective, this paper focuses on Ciudad Real, a medium-sized Castilian-La Mancha city. It is observed that medium-sized cities present lower levels of residential segregation than large urban areas, but with a marked difference between high and low incomes. This paper emphasises the importance of case studies in understanding the relationship between residential segregation and social inequality, and how an increase in inequality does not always translate into greater segregation. The relevance of addressing residential segregation in medium-sized cities is recognised in order to better understand this phenomenon at a global level. This analysis has provided a clear insight into the complex socioeconomic interactions that characterized the year 2021. Several significant correlations were identified between sociodemographic variables and income-related variables, highlighting the close connection between these aspects in the socioeconomic reality. Results underscore the need to adopt a comprehensive approach when addressing contemporary issues of inequality and labor dynamics. Furthermore, the importance of Geography as a key discipline to address socio-spatial disparities and promote equity in cities is highlighted. The complexity of the relationships between segregation and inequality is emphasized, underlining the importance of meaningful correlations to understand the patterns of socio-spatial differentiation in these cities. The need to study residential segregation at an infra-municipal scale is raised for a more detailed analysis.