Metropolitan housing segregation

1983
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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.

Further reading

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]

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