The Social Context of Spatial Choice: Activity Locations and Residential Segregation

Despite considerable focus on clustering as a dimension of segregation and the explosion of big location data, extant literature has not explicitly examined residential segregation and the clustering of segregated space as an influence on mobility. Integrating urban sociological theories and decision science, we test criteria contributing to individuals’ selection of activity neighborhoods. Using a range of spatial data sources, we compare Whites and Blacks’ choice of frequently visited neighborhoods in Chicago, stratified by whether residing in a contiguous segregated space (CSC). Discrete choice models show strong evidence for the impact of clustered residential segregation in individual decision making. All groups are drawn/compelled to White CSC neighborhoods, largely due to the relative institutional, amenity, and safety advantages of these areas. The Black CSC boundary functions as an “invisible wall” to CSC-residing Blacks, limiting their exposure to advantaged White CSC neighborhoods. Whites exhibit a net avoidance to Black-majority spaces, CSC and non-CSC alike. Blacks are drawn to racially homophilous Black neighborhoods, potentially due to social interaction opportunities, spatial knowledge, and prior habits. Results are robust to alternative specifications of choice sets and organizational deficits. Implications for understanding spatial choice in social context and designing de-segregation policies through behavioral “nudges” are discussed.