Ethnoracial residential segregation

2016
united states

Ethnoracial residential segregation refers to the spatial separation of different racial and ethnic groups within a particular city or region. This form of segregation occurs when different groups of people, usually defined by race or ethnicity, tend to cluster or concentrate in specific neighborhoods or areas.

Ethnoracial residential segregation can result from a variety of factors, including historical patterns of housing discrimination, socioeconomic disparities, institutionalized racism, and personal preferences. These factors can lead to unequal access to resources and opportunities, perpetuating social and economic inequalities among different racial and ethnic groups.

The consequences of ethnoracial residential segregation can be far-reaching. Concentrated poverty, limited access to quality education, inadequate healthcare facilities, and reduced opportunities for social mobility are some of the challenges faced by individuals living in segregated neighborhoods. Additionally, segregation can contribute to social tension, perpetuation of stereotypes, and the erosion of social cohesion.

Efforts to combat ethnoracial residential segregation include fair housing policies, anti-discrimination laws, and community development initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusive neighborhoods. Enhancing access to affordable housing, improving educational opportunities, and promoting economic development are also important strategies to address this issue.

It is important to note that ethnoracial residential segregation varies across different countries and regions, depending on the specific historical, social, and political context.

Further reading

Sewell A.A. (2016) "The Racism Race Reification Process: A Mesolevel Political Economic Framework for Understanding Racial Health Disparities", Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, 2(4), pp. 402-432. SAGE Publications Inc.. DOI: 10.1177/2332649215626936