Segregation

/ˌsɛɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The action or state of setting someone or something apart from others.

The segregation of students based on their ethnicity was challenged in court.

The enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment.

During the Civil Rights Movement, activists fought against racial segregation in schools and public facilities.

The practice of separating individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, or ability.

Segregation in the workplace can lead to a lack of diversity and inclusivity.

The separation of waste materials into different categories for disposal or recycling.

Many cities have implemented segregation of recyclables from general waste to promote sustainability.

Derived from Latin 'segregare', meaning 'to separate' (se- 'apart' + gregare 'to gather').

racial segregation

The separation of people into racial or other ethnic groups.

de facto segregation

Segregation that occurs without laws or regulations but through social standards.

de jure segregation

Segregation enforced by law.

discrimination

The unjust treatment of different categories of people.

integration

The process of combining or incorporating diverse groups.

apartheid

A policy or system of segregation or discrimination on grounds of race.

Seg

In some discussions, people might refer to segregation simply as 'Seg'.

The Great Divide

Some refer to the social barriers in cities as 'The Great Divide'.