Suburbanizing Segregation? Changes in the Distribution of Public School Racial/Ethnic Segregation Across Metropolitan Localities, 2001–2011

• In Event: 33.078 - Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: 33.078-6 - Reinvestment and Displacement: Gentrification and School Segregation

Abstract

Scholars have increasingly expressed concern that the rapid racial/ethnic diversification of the suburbs is exacerbating segregation in suburban schools. Despite these concerns, little is known about current trends in segregation by locality or the effects of these increases in diversity on segregation trajectories. Using a sample of 209 metropolitan areas, we examine trends in urban, suburban and exurban segregation between 2001 and 2011. We find that suburban and exurban segregation declined across most racial/ethnic dimensions; however, their share of total metropolitan segregation increased owing to larger declines in urban segregation. However, results do indicate some areas of concern. Black/white segregation remained stable in suburbs and increased slightly in exurbs, while Asian/white segregation increased moderately across all metropolitan localities.

Authors

• Meredith Paige Richards, Southern Methodist University

• Kori James Stroub, The University of Texas - Austin