Metropolitan housing segregation

Date and country of first publication

1983
None

Definition

Metropolitan housing segregation refers to the widespread practice of segregating neighborhoods and communities based on race, ethnicity, or economic status within a metropolitan area. This segregation often results in certain groups facing barriers to accessing quality housing, education, employment opportunities, and resources.

Historically, housing segregation in metropolitan areas was enforced through discriminatory practices such as redlining, restrictive covenants, and racially motivated violence. These practices limited where individuals from marginalized communities could live and concentrated poverty in certain neighborhoods.

Although housing discrimination based on race is now illegal, metropolitan housing segregation persists due to factors such as income inequality, unequal access to education and job opportunities, and discriminatory lending practices. This segregation has far-reaching social and economic impacts, leading to increased disparities in health, education, and wealth accumulation among different racial and socioeconomic groups within metropolitan areas.

Efforts to address metropolitan housing segregation include fair housing laws, affordable housing initiatives, and community development programs aimed at promoting diverse and inclusive neighborhoods. Additionally, advocacy for affordable housing, desegregation policies, and investments in disadvantaged communities are essential in combating housing segregation and promoting equitable housing opportunities for all residents in metropolitan areas.

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

Farley J.E. (1983) "Metropolitan housing segregation in 1980: The St. Louis Case", Urban Affairs Review, 18(3), pp. 347-359. . DOI: 10.1177/004208168301800304

DeFina R.; Hannon L. (2009) "Diversity, racial threat and metropolitan housing segregation", Social Forces, 88(1), pp. 373-394. . DOI: 10.1353/sof.0.0234

Defina R.; Hannon L. (2010) "Increasing diversity and the future of U.S. Housing segregation", Neighborhood and Life Chances: How Place Matters in Modern America, 271-287. University of Pennsylvania Press. DOI: [1]