White racial segregation

Date and country of first publication

1994
United States

Definition

White racial segregation refers to the systematic separation or exclusion of individuals based on their race, specifically targeting individuals of white ethnic background. Historically, racial segregation has been more commonly associated with the oppression and marginalization of non-white races, particularly during the era of legally enforced segregation in the United States (1865-1968) known as Jim Crow. This system denied African Americans and other minority groups equal access to public facilities, education, housing, and employment opportunities.

While white racial segregation, as a widespread institutionalized practice, is not commonly encountered, there have been instances where white individuals or communities have voluntarily chosen to segregate themselves based on race, particularly in response to integration efforts. These instances, known as "white flight," have been observed in various parts of the world, including the United States, South Africa, and Australia.

It is important to note that discussing white racial segregation does not imply that the experiences and impacts of racial segregation on different racial and ethnic groups are equivalent. Historically, racial segregation has disproportionately affected non-white individuals, perpetuating systemic inequality and discrimination.

Related segregation forms

White racial segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

racial segregation, black white 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).

White racial segregation appears in the following literature

Nuru-Jeter A.M., LaVeist T.A. (2011). Racial segregation, income inequality, and mortality in US metropolitan areas. Journal of Urban Health, 88(2), 270-282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-010-9524-7

Baumer E.P., Ranson J.W.A., Arnio A.N., Fulmer A., De Zilwa S. (2017). Illuminating a dark side of the American dream: Assessing the prevalence and predictors of mortgage fraud across U.S. counties. American Journal of Sociology, 123(2), 549-603. University of Chicago Press.https://doi.org/10.1086/692719

Smith R.M., Blizard Z.D. (2022). Does Municipal Incorporation Influence Levels of Black White Segregation? Evidence from Counties in the Southern United States, 1990 2010. Southeastern Geographer, 62(3), 253-270. University of North Carolina Press.https://doi.org/10.1353/sgo.2022.0028