Enforced segregation

1948
None

Enforced segregation refers to the practice of separating individuals or groups based on race, ethnic background, religion, or other characteristics, through legal or government policies. This type of segregation is typically implemented to maintain social, economic, or political control and to reinforce inequalities and discrimination.

Historically, enforced segregation was most prominent in the United States during the era of racial segregation known as Jim Crow. Laws and policies were implemented at federal, state, and local levels to keep Black and white Americans separate, specifically in public facilities such as schools, transportation, housing, and even in social settings like parks or restaurants. These laws were enforced through strict penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, or physical harm, for individuals who violated or challenged the segregation policies.

Enforced segregation perpetuated systemic racism and contributed to deepening racial inequalities, as it limited opportunities and resources available to marginalized groups. It created separate and unequal living conditions, educational opportunities, and economic prospects for racial minorities.

The Civil Rights Movement and legal challenges such as Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 led to the dismantling of enforced segregation in the United States. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were key legislative milestones in combatting segregation and racial discrimination.

While enforced segregation is no longer legally sanctioned in many countries, issues of de facto segregation and persistent racial inequalities still exist. Efforts towards desegregation and promoting equality continue to be important in creating inclusive and equitable societies.

Further reading

Williams J.R. (2020) "A working woman’s eye: Anne Fischer and the South African photography of Weimar women in exile", Women and Photography in Africa: Creative Practices and Feminist Challenges, 23-44. Taylor and Francis. DOI: 10.4324/9781003087410-3

Swartz L. (1985) "Issues for cross cultural psychiatric research in South Africa", Culture, Medicine and Psychiatry, 9(1), pp. 59-74. Kluwer Academic Publishers. DOI: 10.1007/BF00048537

Rohleder P.; Swartz L.; Carolissen R.; Bozalek V.; Leibowitz B. (2008) ""Communities isn't just about trees and shops": Students from two South African Universities engage in dialogue about 'community' and 'community work'", Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 18(3), pp. 253-267. . DOI: 10.1002/casp.918

DEUTSCHER M.; CHEIN I. (1948) "The psychological effects of enforced segregation; a survey of social science opinion", The Journal of psychology, 26(), pp. 259-287. . DOI: 10.1080/00223980.1948.9917408

Ngoc Yen L.H. (2018) "The Nuns of Lepers: Compassion, Discipline and Surrogate Parenthood in a Former Leper Colony of Vietnam", Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology, 19(4), pp. 350-366. Routledge. DOI: 10.1080/14442213.2018.1480652

Feder J. (2012) "Affirmative action in employment: A legal overview*", Affirmative Action and Preferential Treatment: Laws and Developments, 57-79. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.. DOI: [1]

Lemon A. (2012) "Residential segregation. Apartheid", International Encyclopedia of Housing and Home, 111-120. Elsevier. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-08-047163-1.00088-6

Lemon A. (2011) "Residential Segregation: Apartheid", International Encyclopedia of Housing and Home, 111-120. Elsevier. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-08-047163-1.00088-6

Ibrahim I. (2010) "Emigration patterns among palestinian women in Israel", Displaced at Home: Ethnicity and Gender among Palestinians in Israel, 207-222. State University of New York Press. DOI: [2]

Carroll B. (2006) "From fraternity to fracture: Black press coverage of and involvement in negro league baseball in the 1920s", American Journalism, 23(2), pp. 69-95. Bellwether Publishing, Ltd.. DOI: 10.1080/08821127.2006.10678011

Potter C.; Tilzey M. (2005) "Agricultural policy discourses in the European post Fordist transition: Neoliberalism, neomercantilism and multifunctionality", Progress in Human Geography, 29(5), pp. 581-600. Arnold. DOI: 10.1191/0309132505ph569oa