segregationen

Segregationen, commonly translated as segregation, refers to the systematic separation of groups within a society based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, income, or other social markers. It can be formal, enacted by law or policy, or informal, reflected in everyday practices and attitudes. Segregation commonly appears in housing, education, labor markets, public services, and access to social spaces.

Common forms include residential segregation, where neighborhoods are dominated by one group; educational segregation, where schools differ in resources and student composition; and economic or occupational segregation, where job opportunities and earnings cluster by group. Mechanisms range from explicit laws and zoning to practices like redlining, discrimination in hiring and lending, and unequal school funding tied to local taxes.

Historically, de jure segregation existed in many countries—for example, racial segregation in parts of North America and apartheid in South Africa. Since the mid-20th century, many places dismantled formal segregation, though de facto segregation persists in various areas due to market forces, housing patterns, and social preferences. Segregation can also reflect or reinforce other divides, such as language or religion.

Segregation widens disparities in education, health, and economic opportunities, and can erode social cohesion and political participation. It often concentrates poverty and can limit access to quality public goods, transportation, and safety.

Policy responses aim to reduce segregation through anti-discrimination laws, inclusive housing and zoning, school integration initiatives, and targeted social programs. Debates center on balancing individual choice with collective equality, the effectiveness of zoning reforms, and the trade-offs between integration and community identity.