Segregation
Separation of people into racial or other ethnic groups in daily life
Real World Example
During Reconstruction from 1860-1880, segregation referred to the enforced separation of Black and white Americans, especially in the southern United States. This practice was a response to the end of slavery and aimed to maintain white supremacy and control over newly freed African Americans. Segregation was important at the time because it laid the groundwork for discriminatory laws known as Jim Crow laws, which prevented Black people from accessing the same public facilities, education, and opportunities as white people. Today, the legacy of segregation still matters as it has long-lasting effects on racial inequality, including disparities in wealth, education, and housing. For example, many neighborhoods remain racially divided, which can affect access to quality schools and job opportunities for people of color, showing how past segregation still influences present-day life.
