The term refers to individuals or groups who, while perhaps not explicitly advocating for legal or de jure segregation, support policies and practices that lead to racial separation and inequality. These practices can manifest in various forms, such as residential segregation driven by economic factors or discriminatory lending practices, disparities in school funding resulting in de facto segregated schools, and the perpetuation of social and cultural norms that reinforce racial divisions. An example could be the support for local control of zoning laws when those laws are used to exclude affordable housing and maintain racially homogenous communities.
Understanding this phenomenon is crucial because it reveals how systemic inequalities can persist even in the absence of overt discriminatory laws. It highlights the importance of examining the subtle ways in which racial disparities are maintained and reinforced. Historically, practices of this nature have contributed to significant social and economic disadvantages for marginalized groups, impacting access to education, employment, healthcare, and other vital resources. Analyzing these trends allows for a more nuanced understanding of contemporary social issues related to race and inequality.
