Sociolegal segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

2022
Spain

Definition

Socio-legal segregation refers to the separation and unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on social and legal factors, such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, nationality, or disability. It encompasses both de jure (legal) and de facto (social) segregation, where laws and policies reinforce discriminatory practices or societal norms perpetuate unequal treatment.

Socio-legal segregation can occur in various settings, including housing, education, employment, criminal justice, and public services. For example, redlining is a practice that legally segregated neighborhoods based on race, denying certain communities access to loans and investment opportunities, leading to long-term economic and social disadvantages. Similarly, discriminatory laws or practices may limit the rights and opportunities of marginalized groups in employment or education, reinforcing social divisions and inequalities.

To address socio-legal segregation, efforts are made to promote equal rights, opportunities, and access for all individuals, regardless of their social or legal status. This can involve legal reforms, such as the enactment of anti-discrimination laws or policies that promote inclusion and diversity. Additionally, educational programs, awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives aim to challenge biases and prejudices that contribute to segregation and promote social integration.

Synonyms

The following terms are synonymous with sociolegal segregation:

socio legal segregation.

References and literature addressing this segregation form under these synonymous terms can be found below.

References

Notes

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

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