Ethnic differences in housing in post-Soviet Tartu, Estonia

Social and ethnic stratification has changed significantly in the former Soviet space since 1991. This research analyses the evolution of inherited ethnic differences in housing during two post-Soviet decades in Tartu, Estonia. The results suggest that ethnic inequalities in dwelling type as well as in housing size per person decreased between 1989 and 2008. More minorities now occupy single-family houses than at the end of the Soviet period. Access to modern facilities within dwelling units, however, is still higher among the minority population. We conclude that inherited ethnic differences in housing conditions were pronounced and, despite evidence of decreasing housing inequalities, subsequent changes have been too modest to overcome inherited patterns of housing segmentation from the Soviet period.

► During Soviet times, immigrants generally lived high on the residential ladder. ► Native Estonians were overrepresented in detached homes with fewer facilities. ► After the early 1990s, ethnic differences diminished for dwelling type and size. ► Minorities surpass Estonians in access to higher-order facilities in dwelling units. ► Differences in housing conditions have only modestly changed since 1991.