Urban Spatial Segregation and Ethnic Violence: Analyzing Fractured Neighborhood Infrastructures in Divided Cities

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 4, No. 7, July 2013 | pp. 271–279

DOI: 10.46882/2013/GJPCS/000052

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Urban Spatial Segregation and Ethnic Violence: Analyzing Fractured Neighborhood Infrastructures in Divided Cities

Names of Authors: Goran Pasic¹, Niranjan Iyer²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Sociology, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; ²Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India

Abstract: The physical partitioning of urban residential areas along rigid ethno-religious lines often creates a deceptive stability that conceals deep security flashpoints. This study evaluates how structural spatial segregation across divided municipal neighborhoods alters the probability of localized communal riots. Utilizing a high-resolution geographic information system (GIS) spatial layout framework, we cross-referenced urban segregation indices with localized riot tracking data from 2008 to 2012. The econometric outputs demonstrate that neighborhoods with sharp physical interfaces or containment walls suffer a 52% higher risk of experiencing high-intensity group clashes during political crises (p < 0.01). The field survey data from 400 households show that a complete lack of shared inter-communal commercial spaces accelerates dehumanizing out-group stereotypes. The regression metrics indicate that spatial insulation accounts for a massive drop in baseline cross-communal trust structures (Beta = -0.58, p < 0.001). This study concludes that defensive urban planning trends deepen social polarization and intensify communal violence. The paper recommends structural urban desegregation strategies.

Keywords: Spatial Segregation, Urban Violence, Ethnic Conflict, GIS Analysis, Communal Security, Inter-communal Trust, Inclusive Cities

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 19, 2013; Revised: April 25, 2013; Accepted: May 18, 2013; Published: July 14, 2013

Citation: Pasic, G., & Iyer, N. (2013). Urban Spatial Segregation and Ethnic Violence: Analyzing Fractured Neighborhood Infrastructures in Divided Cities. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 4(7), 271–279. DOI: 10.46882/2013/GJPCS/000052

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