Racial Segregation And The United States - 2133 Words

In the United States, inequalities are an unfortunate evil that resonate throughout low-income individuals and minorities. Though these problems are sometimes viewed as coincidences, in the past and even in the present, there have been legislation put in place that have negatively affected specific populations in the US. Because of the injustices in the system socially constructed ideologies about race, ethnicity, and poverty, and our lacking health care system, many people experience inequalities in health. One of the biggest factors that has affected minority and low-income populations is residential segregation. An article by Boustan defines residential segregation as â€Å"the separation of racial groups in urban space.† Residential†¦show more content†¦Many factors influence why and how residential segregation occurs in our neighborhoods. This literature review will focus on topics surrounding the history of residential segregation, the effects on health through local, state, and national residential segregation as well as its influence on our nation’s school system. Before diving into the present effects of residential segregation, it’s vital that the history behind it is understood as well. An article by McGrew points out, that in the year 1990, â€Å"11% of the population in 100 of the largest cities in the United States lived in neighborhoods of extreme poverty, compared to 5% in 1970† (McGrew, 1997). After World War I, the demand for workers in large cities caused a large migration of southern blacks into the line of industrial work. The large influx created racial tension and city officials began promoting racial divisions by supporting segregation and discrimination in housing, employment, and social services. The introduction of zoning laws in the US also separated communities even further. After the end of the war, the government believed that home ownership could bring on new ideas of economic and political freedom. The concept of suburban neighborhoods were born to segregate from the harshness of industrial cities, but st ill provide relative closeness to services and employment opportunities. Unfortunately, these wonderful neighborhoods created to provide a new lifestyle to American citizens