Housing market segregation

Date and country of first publication

1989
United States

Definition

Housing market segregation refers to the division and separation of neighborhoods and communities along racial or socioeconomic lines in terms of housing availability, access, and affordability. It is a systemic issue that has existed in many countries, including the United States.

Historically, housing market segregation in the United States has been primarily driven by the practice of redlining, which systematically denied loans, insurance, and other financial services to certain neighborhoods, mainly those inhabited by racial minority groups. This discriminatory practice perpetuated segregation, as it limited opportunities for these groups to access better housing and higher-quality neighborhoods.

In addition to redlining, other factors such as discriminatory lending practices, restrictive covenants, and racial steering by real estate agents have also contributed to housing market segregation. These practices have resulted in the concentration of lower-income and minority households in certain neighborhoods, while wealthier and predominantly white households have tended to cluster in others.

The consequences of housing market segregation are far-reaching and have profound impacts on communities. Segregated neighborhoods often have limited access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and basic services. They also tend to have higher levels of poverty, crime, environmental hazards, and disinvestment.

Efforts to address housing market segregation have involved fair housing laws, such as the Fair Housing Act in the United States, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. However, despite these laws, housing market segregation continues to persist in various forms.

Government initiatives, community organizing, and advocacy have played a significant role in challenging and combating housing market segregation. Efforts to promote affordable housing, investment in underprivileged neighborhoods, and urban revitalization can help reduce segregation by creating more diverse and inclusive communities.

Acknowledging and addressing housing market segregation is crucial for promoting social equity, equal opportunities, and sustainable urban development. It requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both the underlying systemic factors and specific policies and practices that perpetuate segregation.

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

Goering J.M., Coulibably M. (1989) Investigating Public Housing Segregation: Conceptual and Methodological Issues. Urban Affairs Review, 25(2), 265-297. [1]

Gordon P., Kumar A., Richardson H.W. (1989) The Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis: Some New Evidence. Urban Studies, 26(3), 315-326. [2]

Ihlanfeldt K.R. (1992) Intraurban wage gradients: Evidence by race, gender, occupational class, and sector. Journal of Urban Economics, 32(1), 70-91. [3]

Ihlanfeldt K.R., Sjoquist D.L. (1998) The Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis: A Review of Recent Studies and Their Implications for Welfare Reform. Housing Policy Debate, 9(4), 849-892. Fannie Mae Foundation.[4]

Andersen H.S., Andersen H.T., Aero T. (2000) Social polarisation in a segmented housing market: Social segregation in Greater Copenhagen. Geografisk Tidsskrift, 100(), 71-83. Royal Danish Geographical Society.[5]

Kain J.F. (2004) A pioneer's perspective on the spatial mismatch literature. Urban Studies, 41(1), 7-32. [6]