Residential segregation in urban living space : a case study of Hong Kong

Abstract

The trend of householders’ selection and location for housing indicate socioeconomic benefit and productivity. Hence, many scholars and decision makers have paid attention to spatial patterns of different social population in urban living place. As global city, Hong Kong is well-developed and high-ranked. The excessive differentiation and isolation of underclass and elite population in residential space may bring about negative effects for individual welfare, governance of community, development of urban economy and social stability. This dissertation based on the Census data in 2011 examines 13 social groups as element groups of residential segregation and identify that the white & Filipino nationality, three types of housing, high income, professional and manager & administrators are the main elements of residential segregation in Hong Kong, which is characterized by high class population, two types of public housing and private permanent residence. Meanwhile, by reviewing the development of socio-economic pattern changes in Hong Kong, the factors of segregation is not only the outcome of economic stimulation but also closely related to the physical environment, policy and regimen in the process of development in Hong Kong.