Exploring the Role of Preference and Policy in the Reduction of Racial Residential Segregation

Rachelle J. Brunn, University of Pennsylvania
Faye Allard, University of Pennsylvania

This paper uses SimSeg, a segregation simulation computer program, to investigate a two-fold hypothesis. First we consider if ethnic preferences contribute to racial residential segregation, and second, given these findings, we question if pro-integration public policy has effectively targeted the most appropriate populations. We conclude that ethnic preferences do play a strong role in determining racial residential segregation and that this in turn influences how effective public policy has been in reducing segregation. We argue that public policy would be more effective in reducing segregation if it targeted white households for integration into predominantly black neighborhoods, rather than encouraging the movement of black households into white areas as is currently the trend.