Involuntary segregation

Date and country of first publication

2008
United States

Definition

Involuntary segregation refers to a system or practice of separating individuals based on certain characteristics or criteria without their consent. It typically involves dividing people into different groups or communities based on categories such as race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status, among others.

Historically, involuntary segregation has been associated with various forms of discrimination and marginalization. One prominent example is racial segregation in the United States, particularly during the period of Jim Crow laws in the southern states. These laws enforced the separation of African Americans from whites in public facilities such as schools, parks, transportation, and housing.

Involuntary segregation can also be observed in other contexts, such as the separation of religious or ethnic groups in conflicts or the creation of social divisions based on socioeconomic status. In these cases, the segregation is often forced upon people due to systemic factors, discriminatory policies, or cultural and social biases, rather than being their choice.

In recent years, there have been ongoing efforts to combat involuntary segregation and promote inclusivity and equal access to opportunities for everyone. This includes measures such as implementing anti-discrimination laws, promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, and fostering dialogue and understanding among different communities.

Related segregation forms

Involuntary segregation is frequently discussed in the literature with the following segregation forms:

social segregation, residential segregation, voluntary segregation, sociospatial segregation, urban 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).

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 ©.

Involuntary segregation appears in the following literature

Gans H.J. (2008). Involuntary segregation and the ghetto: Disconnecting process and place. City and Community, 7(4), 353-357. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6040.2008.00271_2.x

Merry M.S. (2012). Equality, selfrespect and voluntary separation. Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy, 15(1), 79-100. https://doi.org/10.1080/13698230.2010.528239

Merry M.S. (2012). Segregation and Civic Virtue. Educational Theory, 62(4), 465-486. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-5446.2012.00457.x

van Leeuwen B. (2014). Urban civility or urban community? A false opposition in Richard Sennett's conception of public ethos. European Journal of Social Theory, 17(1), 3-23. https://doi.org/10.1177/1368431013484002

Boschman S., Kleinhans R., van Ham M. (2017). Ethnic differences in realising desires to leave urban neighbourhoods. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 32(3), 495-512. Springer Netherlands.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10901-016-9524-3

Li S.-M., Hao P. (2017). Socio spatial differentiation of permanent Hong Kong residents and new immigrants from mainland China. Migration in Post-Colonial Hong Kong, 36-57. Taylor and Francis.https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315466699

Warren R.L. (2017). Politics and African American ghettos. Politics and African-American Ghettos, 1-214. Taylor and Francis.https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315126784

Nasehi S., Yavari A., Salehi E., Emmanuel R. (2022). Role of local climate zone and space syntax on land surface temperature (case study: Tehran). Urban Climate, 45(), -. Elsevier B.V..https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2022.101245