Official racial segregation

Date and country of first publication

2015
United States

Definition

Official racial segregation refers to the practice of segregating individuals or groups based on race or ethnicity, as mandated or enforced by governmental authorities through laws, regulations, or policies. This form of segregation is institutionalized and often supported by the state, leading to the creation of separate facilities, services, and opportunities for different racial or ethnic groups.

Historically, official racial segregation has been prevalent in various societies, notably during periods such as apartheid in South Africa and the Jim Crow era in the United States. These regimes implemented laws that enforced the separation of different racial or ethnic groups in public spaces, schools, housing, and other aspects of society, often resulting in systemic discrimination and inequality.

Official racial segregation can have profound social, economic, and political consequences, perpetuating inequalities and limiting opportunities for marginalized groups while reinforcing racial hierarchies and divisions.

Efforts to address official racial segregation typically involve legal challenges, social activism, and advocacy for policies and practices that promote equality, inclusivity, and diversity. These efforts aim to dismantle discriminatory laws and institutions and foster a more equitable and just society where all individuals have equal rights and opportunities regardless of their race or ethnicity.

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 ©.

Official racial segregation appears in the following literature

Lucero B.A. (2015). Civilization before citizenship: Education, racial order, and the material culture of female domesticity in American occupied Cuba (1899 1902). Atlantic Studies : Global Currents, 12(1), 26-49. Routledge.https://doi.org/10.1080/14788810.2014.964503