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Segregation

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May 1, 2024 3 minute read

Segregation is the separation of people into different groups based on their race, religion, sex, or other characteristics. It can be seen in many different areas of life, including housing, education, employment, and social interactions.

History of Segregation

Segregation has a long history in the United States. It was first implemented in the late 1800s after the Civil War, when white supremacists sought to maintain their power over African Americans. Segregation was legalized by the Supreme Court in the infamous 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision, which established the "separate but equal" doctrine.

Segregation was a defining feature of American life for much of the 20th century. It was only after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s that segregation began to be dismantled. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were major milestones in the fight against segregation, and they helped to create a more just and equal society.

Types of Segregation

There are many different types of segregation, including:

  • Residential segregation is the separation of people into different neighborhoods based on their race or ethnicity. This can be seen in many cities across the United States, where certain neighborhoods are predominantly white, while others are predominantly black or Hispanic.
  • Educational segregation is the separation of students into different schools based on their race or ethnicity. This can lead to unequal opportunities for students, as schools in segregated neighborhoods often have fewer resources and less qualified teachers.
  • Employment segregation is the separation of workers into different jobs based on their race or ethnicity. This can lead to lower wages and fewer opportunities for advancement for workers of color.
  • Social segregation is the separation of people into different social groups based on their race or ethnicity. This can lead to isolation and loneliness for people of color.

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Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Segregation.
By Richard Rothstein argues that residential segregation in the United States is the result of intentional government policies that have led to the creation of segregated neighborhoods.
By Ibram X. Kendi provides a comprehensive history of racist ideas in America, examining how they have been used to justify racism and discrimination.
This graphic novel trilogy tells the story of John Lewis, a civil rights leader and congressman.
By Ira Katznelson provides a global history of segregation, exploring how it has been used to divide people around the world.
By Heather Cox Richardson argues that the South won the Civil War in the sense that it was able to maintain its system of racial segregation after the war.
By Zora Neale Hurston tells the story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last surviving slaves in the United States.
By Nell Irvin Painter explores the history of whiteness in the United States, examining how it has been used to justify racism and discrimination.
This novel tells the story of Starr Carter, a 16-year-old girl who witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend.
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