The social space of Arab residents of mixed Israeli cities

This study examines social integration of ethnic groups using socio-spatial lifestyle approach as related to Arab residents of mixed Israeli cities. Inter-ethnic relations in mixed cities are a central theme in geo-spatial research, that until recently focuses primarily on residential segregation, assuming its association with social integration. Recent studies uncover more complex realities as individual choices affect movement in space and social interactions. The current research is part of a new effort to study these relations as a multifaceted phenomenon, examining seven indices: movement in space; social interactions; repertoire of identities; attitudes towards integration; attachment to ethnic spaces mass-media consumption and telecommunication usage. The data incorporate tracking of 59 respondents for a week (using GPS loggers) and in-depth interviews were carried out with them. Core findings suggest that activity spaces, in addition to residential segregation, are associated with social integration, identifying three main socio-spatial lifestyles according to integration parameters and social characteristics.