Racial housing segregation

Date and country of first publication

1995
United States

Definition

Racial housing segregation refers to the practice of dividing residential areas by race, typically resulting in distinct neighborhoods where people from different racial backgrounds are disproportionately concentrated. This practice has been historically prevalent in many countries, including the United States, where it was reinforced through discriminatory laws and policies such as redlining and restrictive covenants.

Racial housing segregation has its roots in institutional racism and racial prejudice, as it emerged as a means to maintain racial hierarchy and control. By separating communities along racial lines, it perpetuates inequalities and disadvantages faced by minority groups, particularly African Americans.

The effects of racial housing segregation are far-reaching and have profound implications for various aspects of life. It contributes to disparities in access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and other resources. Segregated neighborhoods often lack essential infrastructure and public services, leading to a cycle of poverty and limited social mobility for those residing in these areas.

Although explicit racial discrimination in housing has been banned since the Fair Housing Act of 1968 in the United States, racial housing segregation persists due to continuing socioeconomic disparities and the legacy of past discriminatory practices. Additionally, some argue that less overt forms of housing discrimination such as exclusionary zoning and differential mortgage lending practices contribute to ongoing segregation patterns.

Efforts to address racial housing segregation often involve promoting fair housing policies, providing affordable housing options in diverse neighborhoods, and combating discriminatory practices in the real estate market. Encouraging integration and creating opportunities for residents of all backgrounds to live in inclusive neighborhoods is seen as crucial to breaking the cycle of segregation and fostering greater equity and social cohesion.

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. (1995) Race still matters: The Minimal Role of Income and Housing Cost as Causes of Housing Segregation in St. Louis, 1990. Urban Affairs Review, 31(2), 244-254. [1]

Farley J.E. (2005) Race, not class: Explaining racial housing segregation in the St. Louis metropolitan area, 2000. Sociological Focus, 38(2), 133-150. [2]

Zhang J., Zheng L. (2015) Are people willing to pay for less segregation? Evidence from U.S. internal migration. Regional Science and Urban Economics, 53(), 97-112. Elsevier.[3]

Seru E. (2021) Critical, Interdisciplinary, And Collaborative Approaches To Virtual Community Engaged Learning During The Covid 19 Pandemic And Social Unrest In The Twin Cities. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 25(3), 79-90. University of Georgia.[4]

Letiecq B.L., Williams J.M., Vesely C.K., Lee J.S. (2023) Publicly housed Black mothers' experiences of structural racism in their everyday lives. Journal of Marriage and Family, -. John Wiley and Sons Inc.[5]