ABSTRACT
Modern urbanization came late to Eastern and Central Europe and followed different pathways from the West in the twentieth century. After World War II with the implementation of the communist system huge social transformations took place in the region. Industrialization was considered to be the main tool to catch up with the West and brought about a robust development of heavy industry and collectivization of agriculture. The high level of mobility, full employment, strong social security and the growing equality represented the cornerstones of the communist welfare system. Urban researchers repeatedly questioned whether these cities would follow a pathway similar to the Western European cities or whether they retain certain specific features in their development. The mushrooming of scientific publications clearly reflects the growing academic interest in the new socio-spatial pattern of Budapest. Yet, these earlier studies make it clear how difficult it is to study residential segregation over a long period of time and based on systematic statistical analyses.
