Document Type
Article
Abstract
The paper introduces a new “diversification index” (DIV), which compares the composition of the current or recent population inflow and the composition of pre-existing population stock, with positive (negative) values signifying a process generating more (less) diversity in the stock. Higher absolute values for DIV signify larger differences in the composition of the inflows and the pre-existing stocks of population. DIV is easy to compute and interpret, adaptable to handle population inflows or outflows, and widely applicable to a variety of phenomena.
The paper defines DIV, discusses its properties, and calculates it for several hypothetical cases as a way of showing its intuitive appeal, such as how it would reflect a neighborhood gentrification scenario. DIV indices for both race and income groupings are computed from 1992 to 2006 for three neighborhoods in Chicago to demonstrate how inter-temporal trends in DIV provide insights into neighborhood dynamics. Finally, the paper discusses extensions, potential weaknesses, and other caveats related to the use of DIV in future applied research.
Disciplines
Demography, Population, and Ecology | Urban Studies and Planning
Recommended Citation
Galster, George and Homonoff, Tatiana, "A New Index for Comparing the Diversity of Population Inflows and Population Stocks" (2008). Urban Studies and Planning Faculty Research Publications. 9.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/urbstud_frp/9