Local versus overall segregation measures

This paper proposes a theoretical framework in which to study the segregation of a target group in a multigroup context, which can be labeled as local segregation. In doing so, this paper first presents an axiomatic set-up within which local segregation measures can be evaluated and it defines local segregation curves. Next, a class of additive local segregation indexes that is related to the generalized entropy family and consistent with the above curves is characterized. Finally, this paper offers a bridge between local and overall segregation indexes by using population weights.