Even in preschools: analysing the preschool and neighbourhood segregation gap in Swedish municipalities.

The study investigates the differences between segregation in kindergartens and neighbourhoods in Swedish municipalities. Using extensive data from across the population, the researchers analyse socioeconomic and ethnic segregation among kindergarten children and their parents. The study also assesses how geographical distribution of private and public kindergartens affects segregation levels.

The results showed that segregation in kindergartens reflects neighbourhood segregation to a lesser extent than in schools. Unlike schools, where foreign background and income are the most prominent factors, it is mainly the parents’ level of education that influences segregation in kindergartens. In addition, the level of segregation is affected by the distribution of private and public kindergartens, where private actors contribute to increased segregation. The study concludes that the free choice of kindergarten and access to private options reinforce segregation.

The researchers used data from Statistics Sweden, which included information about all children enrolled in kindergartens in 2017. The data included the child’s age and place of residence, as well as the parents’ age, income, level of education, occupation and country of birth. Geographical information about the location of kindergartens and the number of enrolled children was also analysed.

Alm Fjellborg, A., & Forsberg, H. (2023). Even in preschools: analysing the preschool and neighbourhood segregation gap in Swedish municipalities. European Sociological Review, 39(5), 677– 691.