Relational segregation
2021
united states
Relational segregation refers to the separation or division between groups based on social relationships and interactions. It refers to the phenomenon where individuals and communities have limited or no contact or relationships with people from different social, racial, ethnic, or economic backgrounds.
Relational segregation can manifest in various forms, such as:
1. Segregation by race or ethnicity: This occurs when certain racial or ethnic groups primarily socialize and interact with others from their own group, leading to limited cross-cultural or interracial relationships.
2. Segregation by social class: It refers to the situation where individuals from different social, economic, or educational backgrounds have restricted contact or interactions with each other due to differences in resources, opportunities, or lifestyle.
3. Segregation by age: This occurs when individuals primarily associate and interact with people of similar age groups, leading to limited intergenerational relationships and experiences.
4. Segregation by gender: It refers to the separation or division between males and females, leading to limited cross-gender interactions and relationships in various social settings.
Relational segregation can have significant social and economic consequences. It can perpetuate stereotypes, reinforce prejudice and discrimination, limit opportunities for social mobility and understanding between different groups, and hinder social cohesion and integration. Overcoming relational segregation requires promoting diverse and inclusive environments that facilitate interactions and relationships between individuals from different backgrounds.
See also
References
Further reading
Fox I. (2022) "The Demand for a Public School Education: A Crisis of Confidence in Comprehensive Schooling?", British Public Schools: Policy and Practice, 45-64. Taylor and Francis. DOI: 10.4324/9781003282778-3
Fiel J.E. (2021) "Relational Segregation: A Structural View of Categorical Relations", Sociological Theory, 39(3), pp. 153-179. SAGE Publications Ltd. DOI: 10.1177/07352751211029979