segregation

USAGE SUMMARY

'segregation' is a perfectly acceptable and correct word in written English.
It can be used to describe the process or system of keeping people or groups of people apart, based on race, gender, etc. For example: Segregation of the student body along racial lines in some schools is still practiced in certain parts of the US.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This will enable the aggregation of data across and within industries and will be invaluable to employers to assist them understand the characteristics of their workforce, including occupational segregation, the position of women and men in management and patterns of potentially insecure employment," the WGEA says on its website.

The Guardian

Aside from the increased pollution and heavy machinery, there is more segregation along economic and class lines.

The Guardian - Arts

I was the only person of colour at the meeting held in 2000 to flesh out its identity, and the only one who could look at the scattered sites and point out that most of them were also sites of racial segregation.

The Guardian - Travel

He said the officer was making a point against segregation, but conceded the comments were "clumsy and crass".

The Guardian

And that while the Labour party was opposing segregation in South Africa and linking itself to landmark anti-discrimination policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The gated community represents the segregation of the population.

The Guardian

Admirers cite Kennedy's televised address to the nation, referring to the battle over racial segregation as a "moral crisis", and his readiness to use the National Guard to force the whites-only universities of the south to open up to black students.

The Guardian

The south's history of racial segregation has also highlighted claims of racial bigotry.

The Guardian

A decision will have to be made on whether to increase the capacity of 11,700 to nearer 15,000, with its associated complications in terms of segregation.

The Guardian - Sport

Over time nagging doubts grew about whether these islands of educational autonomy were working to increase segregation, both between the social classes and between immigrants and nationals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Students could create a word bank of terms such as segregation, integration, diversity, prejudice, identity, isolation, extremism and discrimination.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "segregation", clearly specify the type of separation you are referring to (e.g., racial, economic, gender) to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

Common error

Don't assume that the effects of "segregation" are uniform across different groups or historical contexts. Acknowledge the nuanced and varied experiences of those affected.

Linguistic Context

The noun "segregation" primarily functions as a subject or object in a sentence, describing the act, state, or system of separating groups. It's often used to denote a societal or institutional division, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples referencing racial "segregation" and gender "segregation".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "segregation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes the act or state of separating groups. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts, the term is used to analyze, describe, or criticize separation based on various factors like race, gender, or economic status. When using "segregation", it's vital to specify the type of separation and acknowledge the nuanced experiences of those affected. Alternatives include "separation of groups" and "division along racial lines", offering subtle variations in meaning. Remember to avoid generalizations and consider the specific historical and social context to ensure clarity and sensitivity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separation of groups

This phrase focuses on the act of dividing groups, highlighting the physical or social distancing involved.

division along racial lines

This alternative specifically highlights racial motivations for creating separate spaces or systems.

discriminatory separation

This phrase emphasizes the unfair and prejudiced nature of the separation, adding a layer of moral judgment.

enforced separation

This emphasizes the involuntary nature of "segregation", where people are compelled to remain apart.

social stratification

This phrase refers to the hierarchical arrangement of groups in society, which can lead to separation and inequality.

spatial separation

This alternative is more specific about the physical arrangement of segregated groups, focusing on geographic divisions.

compartmentalization of society

This evokes an image of dividing society into discrete areas, which are kept separate, or treated differently.

balkanization

Implies a division of a territory or state into smaller regions with limited cooperation, often hostile or uncollaborative. In the context of "segregation", it indicates a fragmentation along ethnic, religious, or cultural lines.

apartheid

This term refers to a specific system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa. It represents a stringent, legally enforced form of "segregation".

exclusion

Focuses on barring certain groups from opportunities, resources, or social interaction, often a consequence of "segregation".

FAQs

What does the term "segregation" mean?

"Segregation" refers to the separation of groups of people, often based on race, ethnicity, religion, or other factors. It can manifest as residential separation, school "segregation", or other forms of social division.

What are some historical examples of "segregation"?

Historical examples of "segregation" include the Jim Crow laws in the United States, which enforced racial "segregation" in the South, and apartheid in South Africa, a system of institutionalized racial "segregation" and discrimination.

What's the difference between "segregation" and exclusion?

"Segregation" involves maintaining separate facilities or systems for different groups, while "exclusion" refers to barring certain groups from access to opportunities or resources altogether. While both can result in social division, "segregation" implies a degree of separation rather than outright denial.

What are some potential consequences of "segregation"?

"Segregation" can lead to inequality, discrimination, limited opportunities, and social unrest. It can also perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce prejudices between different groups.