Stanford University researchers published a study on residential segregation and social stratification that can help us better understand the mechanisms underlying social inequality in the Haidian District, one of Beijing’s wealthiest zip codes.
Social inequalities can emerge due to differences in various social factors such as race, class, and other factors, which can create unequal access to resources, opportunities, and social networks, leading to patterns of advantage and disadvantage. These patterns can become self-perpetuating over time, resulting in a cycle of inequality that can persist across generations. The reasons behind these disparities in society are complex and multifaceted.
The paper is titled “Social Stratification and Residential Segregation in Haidian District, Beijing, China” and was written by Lucas Agudiez Roitman, Zhang Yanhan, Tan Zhuoli, and Canfei He, to be published in the International Journal of Economics & Management Sciences of Stanford University. The authors sought to find out the influence residential segregation has on the urban social space, particularly how it influences community perceptions and the policies required to address segregation.
To gain a deeper understanding of the effects of residential segregation, the researchers conducted surveys of individuals from various social classes to assess their views on cohabiting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. They found that most people in the Haidian district prefer to live near others who are similar to them. However, the paper argues that this trend may be exacerbated by market forces and that there is a need for policy interventions to promote mixed-class housing and address social stratification.
“We found that urban citizens with similar characteristics reside together in specific areas and separate from other groups with different characteristics. People with similar backgrounds tend to live together in certain areas, which can make social inequality worse”, explains Lucas Roitman, co-author of the paper.
High-level residential districts were characterized by more suitable natural conditions, proximity to main traffic lines, and promising areas with development priority, whereas low-level residential districts were far from the downtown area, had incomplete provision of infrastructure, and were close to labor-intensive industries.
After conducting many interviews in different urban spaces, they found out that those who lived in better communities had more harmonious relationships and were more open-minded and confident, which helped them get more opportunities in return. People who lived in poor areas suffered pressure from many directions and tended to lack confidence, which hindered them from reaching their full potential.
“Conducting fieldwork in Beijing was a fascinating experience. Speaking with people face-to-face and visiting their residential areas gave me a deeper understanding of their perspectives. I observed firsthand the ways in which urban planning and market forces can intersect to shape the built environment,” Lucas comments.
The study concluded that it was necessary for the government to break down barriers by creating mixed living environments that could help low-income individuals get more information and social resources, thus preventing them from falling into a vicious cycle of poverty. “Mixed-housing projects could help decrease negative stereotypes, such as lower income individuals viewing the higher classes as ‘arrogant’ and in exchange, higher income individuals perceiving the lower classes as ‘uncivilized’. These terms were commonly used by the interviewed residents to describe those different from them”, Roitman comments.
By regulating residential segregation, the government could prevent further polarization, as well as prevent social instability due to envy, fear, or class warfare.
The policy implications for mixed-income communities were that low-income citizens could be provided with more job opportunities by the affluent community, such as cleaning and cooking positions in wealthy homes, or dog walking. As lower-income citizens related to higher-income ones developed friendships, got invited to their houses, and learned from each other, lower-income citizens could learn and understand the lifestyle and choices that the wealthy make, and can provide opportunities for those less fortunate to become part of the high class.
The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering both social stratification and residential segregation when designing policies for urban areas and it helps city planners make better decisions to work towards creating fairer and more inclusive neighborhoods that hopefully benefit all members of society.
This research was performed by scientists from Stanford University and Peking University. Stanford University researchers are known for their valuable contributions to various societal issues, and this paper is no exception. One of the authors, Lucas Roitman, remains an active member of Stanford’s research department, where he continues to publish and edit papers.
Lucas’ journey in Stanford began when he was offered a full-merit scholarship that allowed him to graduate with an interdisciplinary degree, encompassing artificial intelligence, business, and industrial design — all the essentials to build a company. It was during his time at Stanford that he co-founded a startup that aimed to use drones for delivery and personal assistance. His dedication to the project saw him travel to China and Germany to study, developing his ideas further and expanding his knowledge.
But his journey in the technology industry had started a long time before. Born and raised in Argentina, Roitman invented a video game that quickly went viral when he was 11 years old. When he turned 14, he created an augmented reality app that caught the attention of an international media company, which promptly acquired it from him.
Roitman’s academic career continued through high school, he attended an Argentinean technical school named ORT and participated in the International Olympiad in Informatics representing his country, and won multiple medals. Despite being offered a full merit scholarship at ITBA in Argentina, Lucas decided to venture to the United States to pursue his education. He received other scholarship offers from different prestigious universities such as Yale, MIT, and Stanford.
Lucas Roitman’s drive to make an impact in the world is not limited to his technological pursuits; he also endeavors this through his research work. As a researcher from Stanford University, he addresses important social issues and makes a significant impact beyond the realm of technology. “Technological advancements must be aligned with social progress. Technology can only be truly transformative when it is applied in a way that benefits everyone in society”, Lucas mentions. By bridging the gap between technology and social issues, he aims to make a positive impact that goes beyond just creating new products or services. His interdisciplinary education and research experience enable him to approach complex problems from different angles, which is vital in creating effective solutions. Lucas Roitman’s commitment to both technology and social issues is an inspiration to others who seek to make a meaningful impact in the world.
