Long term trends of residential segregation in relation to housing policy in Stockholm : Following indicators of residential segregation over time through spatial analysis

This thesis explores the development of residential segregation over a long time period in Stockholm, Sweden. By following the spatial distribution of two socio- economic indicators and two indicators of housing characteristics between 1930 and 2015, it describes how changing housing policy has affected the indicators. Historic data was gathered and compiled in a longitudinal data base. Spatial analysis of the variables produced results that indicate spatio-temporal variation in all variables, and indicate a central-peripheral pattern that has developed and persisted for long time periods. Variation in spatial distributions of the variables is furthermore connected to changes in undertaken housing policy. Regression models also indicate that the characteristics of residential segregation has arguably been different in different times. The long time period is argued to be important in segregation research because of the longevity of many segregation processes. Following continuous indices of residential segregation over long time periods is important as it may help us understand contemporary trends better, conversely creating better knowledge for policy makers when counter segregation policy is implemented. Long time approaches are, however, lacking the literature, motivating the analysis performed in this thesis