Everyday segregation

Date and country of first publication

2012
United States

Definition

Everyday segregation refers to the systematic separation or division of people based on various factors such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, or religion, which occurs in everyday life, rather than being formalized by laws or government policies. It manifests in various ways, including residential patterns, educational institutions, workplaces, social spaces, and social interactions.

For example, in residential patterns, neighborhoods may become segregated due to historical factors, economic disparities, and social biases. This results in people from different racial or ethnic backgrounds living in separate communities, which can perpetuate inequalities and limit opportunities for social integration.

In educational institutions, students may face segregation through tracking systems or zoning policies that disproportionately affect minority or low-income students. This can lead to unequal access to resources, educational opportunities, and quality teachers, thereby perpetuating educational inequities.

Workplace segregation occurs when individuals from different social backgrounds are concentrated in specific industries or occupations, leading to unequal opportunities for career advancement and income disparities based on factors such as race, gender, or ethnicity.

Social spaces, such as recreational facilities, restaurants, or entertainment venues, can also exhibit segregation based on factors like socioeconomic status, race, or age. This can result in limited opportunities for social interaction and perpetuation of stereotypes or biases.

Social interactions themselves can be subject to segregation as people naturally tend to associate and interact primarily with others from similar backgrounds or social groups, leading to limited exposure to diverse perspectives and perpetuation of stereotypes.

Everyday segregation is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires efforts to address structural inequalities, promote diversity and inclusivity, challenge biases and stereotypes, and create opportunities for interactions and understanding between different communities.

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 ©.

Everyday segregation appears in the following literature

Cvetkovich A. (2012). Depression is ordinary: Public feelings and Saidiya Hartman's Lose Your Mother. Feminist Theory, 13(2), 131-146. https://doi.org/10.1177/1464700112442641

Ytterhus B. (2012). Everyday Segregation Amongst Disabled Children and Their Peers: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study in Norway. Children and Society, 26(3), 203-213. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1099-0860.2012.00433.x

Fairfax C.N. (2014). A historical account of community mobilization in public education in early twentieth century African America: Introducing Miss Virginia Estelle Randolph, master teacher and community mobilizer. Women's History Review, 23(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09612025.2013.811991

Tyerman T. (2021). Everyday border struggles: Segregation and solidarity in the UK and calais. Everyday Border Struggles: Segregation and Solidarity in the UK and Calais, 1-198. Taylor and Francis.https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003095774