Compulsory residential segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1][edit | edit source]

1995
South Africa

Definition[edit | edit source]

Compulsory residential segregation refers to the mandated separation of individuals or groups based on certain criteria, typically race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status. It involves legally enforced policies that require individuals to live in specific designated areas or neighborhoods based on these criteria.

Historically, compulsory residential segregation has been implemented as a means of social control, oppression, and institutionalized discrimination. For example, during the era of apartheid in South Africa, laws were put in place to forcefully segregate the population along racial lines, with non-white individuals being confined to designated areas known as townships.

Compulsory residential segregation can have significant negative effects on individuals and communities. It perpetuates social inequalities, limits social mobility, and reinforces stereotypes and prejudices. Segregated neighborhoods often lack access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and other essential resources and services. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and unequal distribution of resources.

Legal and societal efforts have been made to eradicate compulsory residential segregation. In many countries, laws have been enacted to ensure equal housing opportunities and to prevent discrimination in housing based on race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. However, segregation still persists to varying degrees in many parts of the world, and addressing this issue remains an ongoing challenge.

Related segregation forms[edit | edit source]

Compulsory residential segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

residential segregation

This visualization is based on the study The Multidisciplinary Landscape of Segregation Research.

For the complete network of interrelated segregation forms, please refer to:

First year of publication

Louvain clusters

Betweenness centrality

Disciplines in which segregation forms first emerged (Scopus database).

References[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

↑ Date and country of first publication as informed by the Scopus database (December 2023).

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