Quality-of-life in segregated places: what does it mean for young adults in Bogota?

Abstract

This paper assesses young adults’ quality-of-life in the context of urban segregation by using the Capability Approach as an informative framework to analyse people’s well-being. The study employs an open list of 15 urban capabilities to assess how young adults experience life in contexts when patterns of residential segregation are at play. Results show that quality-of-life outcomes diverge considerably between urban areas characterised by higher and lower degrees of social mix as young adults progress differently in the achievement of capabilities. The findings reveal that in mixed communities, while peer influence and social networks have a limited effect on young adults’ opportunities, there is a benefit derived from increased access to job opportunities and urban resources through interactions with better-off dwellers. Conversely, in areas with lower levels of social mixing, role models and social networks primarily operate within same-class boundaries, potentially restricting young adults’ life perspectives and hinder social mobility.

Keywords

• Mixed communities
• capability approach
• youth
• quality-of-life
• inequality
• residential segregation