Examining socio-spatial segregation of educational and occupational groups in Isfahan metropolitan region

Examination of socio-spatial segregation and differentiations will clearly help better understanding of social and spatial structures of the regions. Isfahan metropolitan region is offering contradictory qualities in its various settlements due to the abnormal increase in growth rate and migrations of different social classes possessing different socioeconomic traits. This study seeks to measure the region’s socio-spatial segregation of educational and occupational groups and to express their spatial patterns. The present study follows a descriptive-quantitative method. It can be categorized as an applicable research which uses a deductive strategy. Based on data obtained from the national census of population and housing in 2011, 14 One-group segregation indices were calculated by Geo-Segregation Analyzer software. Also, the patterns of both groups were mapped by Location Quotient and Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord-Gi) in ArcGIS software version 10.4. The results reveal that the study region generally have a relatively homogeneous environment due to low values of segregation. However, in terms of occupational groups, eastern settlements are suffering from improper conditions. The lower class of the occupational groups has mainly been concentrated and clustered in this part of the region. In terms of educational groups, the western side shows relatively lower segregation than the eastern side but there are still considerable inequalities in central areas.