Living together or apart: life-course trajectory landscapes in contemporary Sweden

Geographical inequality is a consequence of socio-demographic residential segregation. This paper explores socio-spatial differentiation in Sweden using geo-coded life-course data for the population from 1990 to 2019. We use latent class analysis on 16 indicators across life domains over 15-year-long life phases to classify individuals into distinctive life-course trajectories characterized by varying degrees of affluence and distress. We demonstrate how the uneven geographical distribution of these trajectories produces landscapes where contrasting life experiences, opportunities, and aspirations become inscribed in geographical space.
A key finding is that segregation intensifies over the life-course, with young adults substantially less segregated than older adults, particularly after homeownership transitions. Studies relying on single indicators such as income and education may underestimate residential segregation strength. We show homeownership is a major segregation driver, creating highly separated residential areas in later life phases. The spatial concentration of trajectory types also corresponds with geographical patterns in political polarization.

Bo Malmberg is Professor of Human Geography at Stockholm University. His research focuses on population geography, housing, migration, segregation, and the relationships between neighbourhood conditions and social cohesion. He has led major research on spatial polarization in contemporary Sweden and has published widely on demographic change, residential segregation, and urban and regional development.