Title: Mapping social diversity
Phase one involved demographic mapping which would inform the survey in phase two, and then in-depth interviews as part of Project B. Using census data (UK 2001, Poland 2002), the residential distribution of people in terms of demographic characteristics was mapped in two cities: Leeds (UK) and Warsaw (Poland). Variables were selected to represent the key social dimensions of difference: demographic, socio-economic, ethnic and disability. A standard cluster analysis using a k-means algorithm was implemented for each city separately -for ‘Community Areas’ in Leeds and ‘Urban Regions’ in Warsaw.Graph 1. Cluster classification of Community Areas in LeedsGraph 2. Cluster classification of Urban Regions in Warsaw

Typologies of communities (‘diversity clusters’) were produced using the census data. These clusters varied in terms of wider diversity patterns, but that were internally homogenous. So the aim of the analysis was to reduce the internal variability while increasing the external variability between the types of communities. The mapping exercise has shown that patterns of residential segregation and mix in the two cities are different. Consequently, in different neighbourhoods there exist different opportunities to have contact with people who are different in terms of age, ethnicity, religion/belief, disability and socio-economic status.A comprehensive description of the mapping excercise and more details on the clusters are available in this working paper: click here Survey on attitudes, prejudice and discrimination In phase two we used the diversity clusters to produce a stratified survey sample. A large scale survey was completed by a professional surveying company. The total sample size for the survey was approximately 1500 interviews in each city (3000 in total). The survey examined (a) whether spatial proximity generates ‘meaningful contact’ among diverse social groups, (b) whether it generates respect and understanding regarding people who are different, and (c) which places of encounter constitute sites that can facilitate improved forms of intergroup relations.We intend to explain the variation in attitudes revealed in the survey using both individual attributes and the independent influence of living in particular diversity clusters. The results of the survey will be reported later in 2012/2013.

 In phase two we used the diversity clusters to produce a stratified survey sample. A large scale survey was completed by a professional surveying company. The total sample size for the survey was approximately 1500 interviews in each city (3000 in total). The survey examined (a) whether spatial proximity generates ‘meaningful contact’ among diverse social groups, (b) whether it generates respect and understanding regarding people who are different, and (c) which places of encounter constitute sites that can facilitate improved forms of intergroup relations.

We intend to explain the variation in attitudes revealed in the survey using both individual attributes and the independent influence of living in particular diversity clusters. The results of the survey will be reported later in 2012/2013.

Source: http://livedifference.group.shef.ac.uk/?page_id=105