Informal racial segregation

Date and country of first publication^[1]

2009
South Africa

Definition

Informal racial segregation refers to the separation or division of individuals from different racial or ethnic backgrounds that occurs without being explicitly enforced or mandated by law. It might manifest through social, economic, or cultural factors that lead to segregated communities or spaces.

Examples of informal racial segregation can include:

1. Residential segregation: People of different races or ethnicities living in separate neighborhoods or areas within a city or town. This can happen due to historical patterns, economic disparities, or self-selection based on racial preferences.

2. School segregation: Despite legal interventions to desegregate schools, informal segregation can still persist through various means. This may include parents choosing to send their children to schools within their racial or ethnic group, disparities in school funding, or the concentration of certain racial or ethnic groups in specific school districts.

3. Racialized social networks: People tend to form social connections and friendships within their own racial or ethnic group, resulting in racially homogeneous social networks. This can limit opportunities for diverse interactions and perpetuate informal segregation.

4. Workplace segregation: Certain professions or industries may have informal barriers that result in racial segregation. This can be due to discriminatory hiring practices, lack of diversity initiatives, or biases within the workplace culture.

Informal racial segregation can have significant impacts on marginalized communities, perpetuating economic and educational inequalities and limiting opportunities for social integration and diversity. It is an issue that requires continual efforts to address and dismantle systemic barriers and promote inclusivity.

References

Notes

↑ Date and country of first publication as informed by the Scopus database (December 2023).

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