Our today’s idea of racism has its beginnings in the late 18th, early 19th century when the first researchers identified different races of humans and set the fundamental idea of the white superior race (Giddens 2009). Arthur de Gobineau was the first one to introduce three races which he called Caucausian (white), Negroid (black) and Mengoloid (yellow), however after World War II race-science was discredited (Giddens 2009). Until today there has been thinking towards racism based on genetic differences among many people and also researchers have not yet agreed on one viewpoint. A crucial point of racial segregation has been the skin colour, as examples show during Apartheid in South Africa or slavery in the USA; hair colour often does not matter at all or is only secondary (Giddens 2009). Due to the obvious differences in the skin colour ethnic or racial segregation is present in many places all over the world; the USA has white suburban regions around larger cities, Chinatowns, urban districts with mainly Latinos or African American population. This phenomenon creates inequality and concentrates the disadvantaged groups; therefore these areas often experience more violence and crime. This essay will demonstrate the origin and effects of racial segregation and will provide some brief ideas on how this issue can be improved.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Racial Segregation
- Apartheid in South Africa
- Ethnocentrism
- Group Closure
- Racial Segregation in the United States of America
- Latinos
- Job Typing
- Residential Areas
- Improving Racial Segregation
- Historical Roots of Racial Segregation
- The Impact of Apartheid on Social and Economic Structures in South Africa
- Contemporary Patterns of Racial Segregation in the United States
- The Role of Discrimination and Assimilation Barriers in Segregation
- Strategies for Reducing Racial Segregation and its Negative Consequences
- The essay begins by outlining the historical development of the concept of race and racism, tracing its roots back to the 18th and 19th centuries. It highlights the influence of figures like Arthur de Gobineau and the discrediting of race-science following World War II.
- The essay then focuses on Apartheid in South Africa, providing a detailed account of the system's implementation and its impact on social and economic structures. Key aspects discussed include the enforced division between whites and blacks, the use of passbooks to control movement, and the creation of racially segregated residential areas.
- The essay examines the concept of ethnocentrism, arguing that the strict racial segregation in Apartheid South Africa reinforced racial prejudices and prevented the breakdown of racial barriers.
- The essay explores the concept of group closure, which refers to the ways in which groups maintain boundaries separating themselves from others. It examines how this concept manifested in Apartheid South Africa, with restrictions on intermarriage, social contact, and economic relationships between different racial groups.
- The essay shifts to a discussion of contemporary racial segregation in the United States, highlighting the disproportionate concentration of ethnic minorities in specific areas, particularly Latinos and African Americans. The essay explores the contributing factors to this segregation, including job typing, residential patterns, and the devaluation of minority neighborhoods.
- The essay concludes by examining strategies for improving racial segregation, including the development of neighborhood programs, the mobilization of residents and institutions, and the fostering of social organizations.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay explores the origins and effects of racial segregation, examining both historical examples like Apartheid in South Africa and contemporary manifestations in the United States. The essay aims to highlight the complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to racial segregation, while offering some potential strategies for improvement.Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay explores the complex phenomenon of racial segregation, examining its historical roots, its social and economic consequences, and potential solutions. Key concepts discussed include racism, ethnocentrism, group closure, Apartheid, discrimination, assimilation, job typing, residential segregation, and the concentration of disadvantage. The essay draws upon various sources to analyze the complex dynamics of racial segregation and the challenges faced by marginalized groups.- Quote paper
- Angela Kuhnert (Author), 2011, Racial Segregation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/280477
