Tipping and Residential Segregation: A Unified Schelling Model

Junfu Zhang

No 4413, IZA Discussion Papers from Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)

Abstract: This paper presents a Schelling-type checkerboard model of residential segregation formulated as a spatial game. It shows that although every agent prefers to live in a mixed-race neighborhood, complete segregation is observed almost all of the time. A concept of tipping is rigorously defined, which is crucial for understanding the dynamics of segregation. Complete segregation emerges and persists in the checkerboard model precisely because tipping is less likely to occur to such residential patterns. Agent-based simulations are used to illustrate how an integrated residential area is tipped into complete segregation and why this process is irreversible. This model incorporates insights from Schelling's two classical models of segregation (the checkerboard model and the neighborhood tipping model) and puts them on a rigorous footing. It helps us better understand the persistence of residential segregation in urban America.

Keywords: checkerboard model; tipping; residential segregation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C72 C73 D62 R13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 54 pages
Date: 2009-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cmp, nep-geo and nep-ure
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Published - published in: Journal of Regional Science, 2011, 51(1), 167-193

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Related works:
Journal Article: TIPPING AND RESIDENTIAL SEGREGATION: A UNIFIED SCHELLING MODEL (2011)
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