State sponsored segregation

Date and country of first publication

2012
Canada

Definition

State-sponsored segregation refers to a policy or practice in which the government supports and enforces the separation of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, religion, or social class.

One notable historical example of state-sponsored segregation is the system of racial segregation in the United States known as Jim Crow. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Southern states implemented laws and policies that enforced racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. These laws mandated separate facilities and services for white and non-white individuals, including separate schools, transportation, restrooms, restaurants, and even park benches.

Another example is apartheid in South Africa, which was a policy of systematic segregation and discrimination based on race. Apartheid laws, enacted by the National Party government in 1948, enforced strict racial classifications and separate living areas for different racial groups. These laws stripped individuals of their rights based on their race and resulted in significant social and economic inequalities.

State-sponsored segregation not only perpetuates discrimination and inequality but also undermines social harmony and unity. Governments have come under criticism for such policies as they violate basic principles of equality and human rights. In response to these injustices, individuals and groups have often mobilized and advocated for civil rights and equal treatment under the law. Successful movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement in the United States led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., have challenged and dismantled state-sponsored segregation, leading to significant social and legal changes.

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 ©.

Further reading

Gill A.M.K. (2012) Moving to integration? the origins of Chicago's Gautreaux Program and the limits of voucher based housing mobility. Journal of Urban History, 38(4), 662-686. [1]

Sugrue T. (2012) Hillburn, Hattiesburg, and Hitler. Fog of War : The Second World War and the Civil Rights Movement, -. Oxford University Press.[2]