Spatio-temporal segregation: commuting time that unite and separate classes and races

Abstract The intense growth of Brazilian cities is remarkable, characterized by peripheralization and socio-spatial inequalities. However, studies that focus on the temporal dimension to understand spatial segregation are still scarce. This paper aims to understand the role played by commuting time in explaining the process of spatial segregation in the São Paulo metropolis. Its methodology is based on statistical data obtained from the weighting areas of the Demographic Census sample, by means of the variable usual commuting time, combined with other socioeconomic variables of income and race. This research contributes to the understanding of spatio-temporal segregation and shows that commuting time unites the poorest and black individuals, separating them from the richest and white individuals in the São Paulo metropolis.