Migration and Segregated Spaces: Analysis of Qualitative Sources Such as Wikipedia Using Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

The scientific literature on residential segregation in large metropolitan areas highlights various explanatory factors, including economic, social, political, landscape, and cultural elements related to both migrant and local populations. This paper contrasts the impact of these factors individually, such as the immigrant rate and neighborhood segregation. To achieve this, a machine learning analysis was conducted on a sample of neighborhoods in the main Spanish metropolitan areas (Madrid and Barcelona), using a database created from a combination of official statistical sources and textual sources, such as Wikipedia. These texts were transformed into indexes using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and other artificial intelligence algorithms capable of interpreting images and converting them into indexes. The results indicate that the factors influencing immigrant concentration and segregation differ significantly, with crucial roles played by the urban landscape, population size, and geographic origin. While land prices showed a relationship with immigrant concentration, their effect on segregation was mediated by factors such as overcrowding, social support networks, and landscape degradation. The novel application of AI and big data, particularly through ChatGPT and Google Street View, has enhanced model predictability, contributing to the scientific literature on segregated spaces.