A More Rigorous Test of Latinx Spatial Assimilation Using Discrete Choice Models

Pat Goldsmith
Martín Puga, Texas A&M

There is increasing concern that Latinx-white segregation is now being driven more by racialization than by spatial assimilation. Nevertheless, most studies of spatial assimilation use statistical models that cannot account for the multiple dimensions of residential attainment. In this paper, we test predictions of the spatial assimilation model using data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study on the residential attainment of 800 Latinx who have left their parental homes using discrete choice analyses. These models allow us to control for many other dimensions of neighborhoods related to residential attainment. We find limited support for spatial assimilation net of these other neighborhood dimensions. Net of other factors, all but the most highly educated Latinx move to neighborhoods with high percentages of co-ethnics, suggesting more evidence of racialization than spatial assimilation.

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 Presented in Session 3. Population, Development, & the Environment; Data & Methods; Applied Demography