# Using residents and experts to evaluate the validity of areal wombling for detecting social boundaries: A small-scale feasibility study

## TL;DR

This study tests if a statistical method called areal wombling can detect social boundaries that locals and experts recognize, using a small trial in Rotherham, England.

## Contribution

The paper empirically validates the use of areal wombling for identifying socially recognized boundaries for the first time.

## Key findings

- Participants recognized boundaries with higher boundary values as local community borders more often.
- The study demonstrates the feasibility of using discrete choice experiments to validate statistical boundary detection methods.
- Results suggest potential for scaling the approach with future improvements.

## Abstract

Several studies have explored the relationship between socially constructed neighbourhood boundaries (henceforth social boundaries) and ethnic tensions. To measure these relationships, studies have used area-level demographic data to predict the location of social boundaries and their characteristics. The most common approach uses areal wombling to locate neighbouring areas with large differences in residential characteristics. Areas with large differences (or higher boundary values) are used as a proxy for well-defined social boundaries. However, to date, the results of these predictions have never been empirically validated. This article presents results from a simple discrete choice experiment designed to test whether the areal wombling approach to boundary detection produces social boundaries that are recognisable to local residents and experts as such. We conducted a small feasibility trial with residents and experts in Rotherham, England. Our results shows that participants were more likely to recognise boundaries with higher boundary values as local community borders. We end with a discussion on the scalability of the design and suggest future improvements.