Enforced segregation

Date and country of first publication

1948
None

Definition

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: [1]

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

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: [2]

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

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

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