Indicators of socio-spatial inequalities

The way in which the different dimensions in which social inequalities are structured reciprocally condition each other has been the subject of considerable scientific analysis. Social inequalities in the territory can be understood as the tangible manifestation of inequalities that exist in other spheres (such as qualifications or income), and the way in which these inequalities influence territorial patterns. Territorial inequalities can also induce social inequalities by providing different opportunities and quality of life depending on location.
The analysis of inequalities implies, therefore, that one considers the multidimensionality and complexity of territorial inequalities: It is not expected that different dimensions of social inequalities crystallize in the same way in the territory, and that one can adequately capture them through the same measures/indicators. This makes it useful to carry out a joint analysis of the territorial structures of these different dimensions, understanding their coincidences or discrepancies in different types of territory, as well as their expression in different inequality indicators.
In this work we contribute to this subject by making a multidimensional analysis of territorial inequalities in mainland Portugal. More specifically, we will try to answer questions such as: What is the dimension in which territorial differentiation is more pronounced? What is the most appropriate scale to analyze different types of inequality? What measures are best suited to understand different aspects of these inequalities? To this end, we carry out analyses of territorial inequality, covering three fundamental dimensions – the level of qualifications, professional position and position in relation to employment. This analysis is carried out through the combination of various cartographic and statistical methodologies, applying different indicators of territorial segregation/dispersion (e.g. Moran Indices, Duncan Segregation Index) and having census tracts as base units.