Enter the population of group A in area i, the total population of group A, the population of group B in area i, and the total population of group B into the calculator to determine the Dissimilarity Index.

Dissimilarity Index Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Dissimilarity Index. 

DI = 0.5 * Σ |(Ai / A) - (Bi / B)|

Variables:

  • DI is the Dissimilarity Index
  • Ai is the population of group A in area i
  • A is the total population of group A
  • Bi is the population of group B in area i
  • B is the total population of group B

What is a Dissimilarity Index?

A Dissimilarity Index is a statistical measure used to represent the distribution of two different groups across a certain area, often used in the study of geographical patterns of racial segregation. It quantifies the degree to which the two groups are evenly spread among subareas of a larger area. The index ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates perfect integration and 1 indicates complete segregation.

How to Calculate Dissimilarity Index?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Dissimilarity Index.

  1. First, determine the population of group A in each area (Ai).
  2. Next, determine the total population of group A (A).
  3. Next, determine the population of group B in each area (Bi).
  4. Next, determine the total population of group B (B).
  5. Next, calculate the difference between the proportion of group A in each area and the proportion of group B in each area.
  6. Next, take the absolute value of each difference.
  7. Next, sum up all the absolute differences.
  8. Next, multiply the sum by 0.5.
  9. Finally, calculate the Dissimilarity Index (DI).
  10. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

population of group A in area 1 (Ai) = 100

population of group A in area 2 (Ai) = 150

total population of group A (A) = 500

population of group B in area 1 (Bi) = 200

population of group B in area 2 (Bi) = 100

total population of group B (B) = 400