segregation

Segregation refers to the separation of groups of people, often based on race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin, in residence, work, education, and access to public facilities. It can be enforced by law or arise from social practices and economic patterns that result in unequal access to resources.

Two main forms are de jure segregation, which is legally codified, and de facto segregation, which occurs through customary practices and institutions even without explicit laws. Public accommodations, schools, housing, and employment are common sites of segregation, sometimes reinforced by zoning, policing, or institutional policies.

Historically, many countries have practiced segregation in different forms. In the United States, Jim Crow laws from the late 19th century to the mid-20th restricted voting, education, housing, and public facilities for Black people; Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) established the “separate but equal” doctrine, later overturned by Brown v. Board of Education (1954) which held state-imposed segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Apartheid in South Africa formalized segregation across land ownership, housing, and political rights between 1948 and 1994.

Impact and mechanisms: Segregation leads to unequal access to education, healthcare, employment, and political influence, and is reinforced by housing patterns, school zoning, policing, and institutional practices. It can perpetuate social divisions and stigma, shaping attitudes and opportunities across generations.

Contemporary context and policy: Although many legal barriers have been dismantled, some degree of segregation persists in housing and schools, often reflecting economic disparities and urban development. Policy responses include anti-discrimination laws, fair housing policies, desegregation orders, and civil rights advocacy aimed at promoting equal access and integration.