Examine Asian Residential Segregation with Unbiased Indexes – An Empirical Test of the Power-Threat Theory

• In Event: 174 - Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 09. Neighborhoods and Residential Patterns

Abstract

Hubert Blalock’s Power and Threat Theory in racial relations postulates a direct relationship between the size of minority group presence and the potential competition and threat perceived by the majority group; and that perception, in turn, will affect the degree of observed anti-minority group activities, such as discrimination and isolation.
This paper applies an empirical test to this theory. Employing the unbiased segregation indexes, this paper examines Asian residential segregation in urban America, addressing two specific questions: 1. How does the Asian segregation score correlate with the percent of Asian in a Core Based Statistical Area (CBSA)? 2. Will the Asian segregation score increase with the growth of Asian presence in a CBSA?
We observe seemingly contradictory results from Index of Dissimilarity (D) and Separation Index (S), which prompts a discussion on the merits and limitations, and the proper use and interpretation of the two measures. We argue that S is the proper choice of index in this case.

Authors

• Wenquan (Charles) Zhang, University of Wisconsin–Whitewater

• Mark Fossett, Texas A&M University