Negro residential segregation

1968
united states

Negro residential segregation refers to the practice of separating Black individuals and communities from White communities in housing. This practice has a long history in the United States and was particularly prevalent during the era of Jim Crow laws and racial discrimination. Negro residential segregation was enforced through various means, such as racially restrictive covenants, redlining, and discriminatory lending practices.

As a result of this segregation, Black people were largely forced to live in separate and often marginalized neighborhoods with limited resources and opportunities. The segregation of residential areas had far-reaching consequences on the socio-economic status and quality of life of Black individuals and communities. It contributed to the perpetuation of racial disparities in education, employment, health, and overall well-being.

Although segregation laws have been officially abolished, it is essential to acknowledge that residential segregation patterns still persist in many American cities today. Historical segregation practices, combined with ongoing racial inequality and systemic discrimination, have created lasting residential divides that continue to impact Black communities. Efforts to address and dismantle this segregation are ongoing, but much work remains to be done to achieve true residential integration and equality.

Further reading

Logan J.R.; Bellman B. (2016) "Before The philadelphia negro: Residential segregation in a Nineteenth Century Northern City", Social Science History, 40(4), pp. 683-706. Cambridge University Press. DOI: 10.1017/ssh.2016.27

Kain J.F. (1968) "Housing segregation, negro employment, and metropolitan decentralization", Quarterly Journal of Economics, 82(2), pp. 175-197. . DOI: 10.2307/1885893