Understanding multi-scale educational and hukou segregation in urban China: A multilevel modeling approach

The degree and causes of socio-spatial segregation at different geographic scales remain largely unexplored in Chinese cities. This study uses multilevel modeling and national micro-individual census data to analyze educational and hukou segregation at the district, subdistrict, and neighborhood scales across 333 Chinese cities. We find that educational segregation is generally more pronounced than hukou segregation, and both are more severe at smaller geographic scales. Cities in eastern China and those with higher political status are the most segregated. Our results also support both spatial assimilation and global city theories. Socioeconomic inequality, cultural differences, and global connectedness are all positively associated with segregation levels, with these associations being strongest at the neighborhood scale, where intergroup exclusion is greater. In terms of the impact of the welfare regime, government divestment of public services and housing commodification exacerbate segregation. The provision of public housing helps mitigate micro-scale educational segregation. However, it exacerbates segregation between locals and migrants who do not qualify for housing subsidies. The emergence of polycentricity exacerbates micro-scale educational segregation. Some socioeconomic factors also contribute to segregation levels. In sum, the degree and determinants of socio-spatial segregation, and the policies needed to address them, vary across geographic scales.