One Measure of Segregation

This article considers the problem of deriving a numerical measure of segregation, i.e., a measure of inequality in the distribution of people across groups. It proposes a list of eight desirable properties for a good numerical measure of segregation. These properties yield a class of segregation indexes that are related to generalized entropy indexes of income inequality. Moreover, one and only one index-termed the square root index-satisfies seven of the properties. Copyright 2004 by the Economics Department Of The University Of Pennsylvania And Osaka University Institute Of Social And Economic Research Association.