Governmental segregation

Date and country of first publication

2009
United States

Definition

Governmental segregation refers to the systematic separation of individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or other social characteristics by the government. This form of segregation is enforced through various policies, laws, and practices that promote the exclusion, marginalization, and unequal treatment of certain groups within a society.

Historically, governmental segregation was prevalent in many countries, particularly during periods of colonialism, imperialism, and apartheid. For example, in South Africa, the apartheid regime introduced a series of laws and policies that enforced strict racial segregation, with the government controlling all aspects of people's lives based on their race.

In the United States, governmental segregation was enforced through the Jim Crow laws, which were enacted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These laws mandated racial segregation in public facilities, schools, transportation, and housing, primarily targeting African Americans and enforcing white supremacy.

However, governmental segregation can take different forms and target various marginalized groups. For instance, in some countries, there might be policies that restrict the rights and opportunities of certain religious or ethnic minorities, leading to their segregation from the rest of society.

Governmental segregation is widely considered a violation of human rights and is condemned by international laws and conventions. Efforts to combat and eliminate governmental segregation include legal reforms, advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and international pressure on governments to address systemic discrimination and promote inclusivity and equality.

Notes

At its current state, this definition has been generated by a Large Language Model (LLM) so far without review by an independent researcher or a member of the curating team of segregation experts that keep the Segregation Wiki online. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its reliability, completeness and timeliness. Please use this content with caution and verify information as needed. Also, feel free to improve on the definition as you see fit, including the use of references and other informational resources. We value your input in enhancing the quality and accuracy of the definitions of segregation forms collectively offered in the Segregation Wiki ©.

Governmental segregation appears in the following literature

Waterhouse C. (2009). Follow the yellow brick road: Perusing the path to constitutionally permissible reparations for slavery and jim crow era governmental discrimination. Rutgers Law Review, 62(1), 163-208. https://doi.org/