Ethnic Divisions Within Unity: Insights into Intra-Group Segregation from Israel’s Ultra-Orthodox Society

Ethnic segregation, a global phenomenon shaping social dynamics, urban development, and political behavior, is typically studied between distinct racial or national groups. This study provides insights into internal divisions within seemingly unified populations by investigating intra-group segregation within Israel’s ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish communities. By analyzing Knesset voting patterns as a proxy for residential distribution, I quantify segregation between two major ethnic groups within the Haredi community and identify significant segregation across Haredi-majority cities and clusters. Dissimilarity indices reveal distinct voluntary segregation patterns, with the city of Ashdod emerging as a unique case study due to its dynamic segregation trends and an unexplained sharp decline in dissimilarity in 2021. A comparison with Black–White segregation in U.S. metro areas highlights differing drivers of segregation: cultural and religious dynamics in Haredi communities versus structural inequalities in the U.S. Despite relatively lower dissimilarity scores, cultural and institutional factors reinforce residential separation. This research underscores the need for continued exploration of segregation’s underlying drivers and its implications for fostering more cohesive societies.