Public housing segregation

1989
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Public housing segregation refers to the practice of segregating public housing communities based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. This practice has its roots in historical policies and practices that perpetuated racial and socioeconomic disparities in housing.

During the mid-20th century, many cities in the United States implemented segregationist housing policies that restricted African Americans and other minority groups from accessing housing in predominantly white neighborhoods. This led to the creation of public housing projects primarily located in low-income, racially segregated areas. These projects were often characterized by poor living conditions, limited amenities, and lack of community resources.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) further reinforced public housing segregation by implementing redlining policies. Redlining involved rating neighborhoods based on their perceived level of risk for lenders, with minority neighborhoods often designated as high-risk. Consequently, access to financing and homeownership opportunities in these neighborhoods was limited or denied altogether.

Over time, public housing projects became disproportionately occupied by minority communities, perpetuating racial and socioeconomic segregation. This segregation further exacerbated social and economic inequalities, as public housing communities often lacked access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Efforts have been made to address and mitigate public housing segregation. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Additionally, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has developed programs and initiatives aimed at promoting fair housing practices and reducing segregation in public housing.

However, despite these efforts, public housing segregation still persists to varying extents in many cities across the country. Housing policies, discriminatory practices, and systemic inequalities continue to contribute to the perpetuation of segregated public housing communities. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive efforts that tackle structural inequalities, increase affordable housing options in diverse neighborhoods, and promote equitable access to resources and opportunities for all residents.

Further reading

Verdugo G.; Toma S. (2018) "Can Public Housing Decrease Segregation? Lessons and Challenges From Non European Immigration in France: Can Public Housing Decrease Segregation?", Demography, 55(5), pp. 1803-1828. Springer Science and Business Media, LLC. DOI: 10.1007/s13524-018-0705-4

Hanlon J. (2015) "Fair Housing Policy and the Abandonment of Public Housing Desegregation", Housing Studies, 30(1), pp. 78-99. Routledge. DOI: 10.1080/02673037.2014.933781

Popkin S.J.; Galster G.C.; Temkin K.; Herbig C.; Levy D.K.; Richer E.K. (2003) "Obstacles to Desegregating Public Housing: Lessons Learned from Implementing Eight Consent Decrees", Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 22(2), pp. 179-199. . DOI: 10.1002/pam.10112

Chandler M.O. (1992) "Public Housing Desegregation: What Are the Options?", Housing Policy Debate, 3(2), pp. 509-534. . DOI: 10.1080/10511482.1992.9521102

Goering J.M. (1993) "Towards the Comparative Exploration of Public Housing Segregation in England and the United States1", Housing Studies, 8(4), pp. 256-273. . DOI: 10.1080/02673039308720767

Goering J.M.; Coulibably M. (1989) "Investigating Public Housing Segregation: Conceptual and Methodological Issues", Urban Affairs Review, 25(2), pp. 265-297. . DOI: 10.1177/004208168902500205