What does segregation refer to?

Segregation refers to the separation of people based on differences, particularly racial, ethnic, or social characteristics. This concept has historical roots, especially in the context of racial segregation in the United States, where laws and practices enforced the division of people into different schools, neighborhoods, and public facilities. These divisions not only manifested in physical separation but also in systemic inequalities, as segregated groups often faced significant disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and rights.

The notion of segregation is fundamentally about separation, which distinguishes it from integration, where individuals of different backgrounds come together as equals. It also does not align with universal equality, which aims for inclusion and equitable access to public spaces regardless of race or background. Economic disparities might correlate with segregation but do not define it; segregation is specifically about the physical and social separation of groups.