White metropolitan segregation

2017
united states

White metropolitan segregation refers to the separation of white individuals in urban areas. This segregation can occur due to a variety of factors, such as income disparities, racial preferences, and historical patterns of residential segregation.

Income disparities play a significant role in white metropolitan segregation. Higher-income white individuals may choose to live in neighborhoods with better schools, amenities, and safety, leading to the concentration of wealthier whites in specific areas. This can result in a spatial separation based on socioeconomic status, further contributing to segregation.

Racial preferences also contribute to white metropolitan segregation. Some white individuals may have a preference for living in predominantly white neighborhoods, which perpetuates segregation. This can occur due to personal biases, stereotypes, or a desire to be surrounded by people with similar backgrounds or experiences.

Historical patterns of residential segregation have shaped the current landscape of metropolitan segregation. Discriminatory housing policies, such as redlining and restrictive covenants, have historically limited where non-white individuals could live. These policies have resulted in long-standing patterns of racial segregation that persist today.

White metropolitan segregation has significant implications for racial and economic inequality. Concentrated poverty in segregated areas can limit access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, perpetuating disparities. Segregated neighborhoods also limit social interaction and inhibit mutual understanding among diverse racial and ethnic groups.

Efforts to address white metropolitan segregation include fair housing laws, affordable housing initiatives, and educational programs aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity. Additionally, community engagement and dialogue can help challenge stereotypes, biases, and preferences that contribute to segregation.

Further reading

Do D.P.; Frank R.; Iceland J. (2017) "Black white metropolitan segregation and self rated health: Investigating the role of neighborhood poverty", Social Science and Medicine, 187(), pp. 85-92. Elsevier Ltd. DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.06.010

Do D.P.; Locklar L.R.B.; Florsheim P. (2019) "Triple jeopardy: the joint impact of racial segregation and neighborhood poverty on the mental health of black Americans", Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 54(5), pp. 533-541. Dr. Dietrich Steinkopff Verlag GmbH and Co. KG. DOI: 10.1007/s00127-019-01654-5