Topic > A discussion of whether segregation and integration shape social life in cities

Segregation refers to the construction of boundaries between groups. These boundaries can be both spatial and social, which creates connection within a group, but disconnection with other groups (Dixon and Hinchcliffe, 2014, p96). Integration refers to the unification of a group based on something people may have in common, such as race. Race can involve the unification of a group of people who are of the same race, this creates connection within a group but can also create disconnection from other groups such as people of different races. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay A more in-depth example of racial segregation and integration includes the southern states of the United States during the Jim Crow era. In this era, where a person could live, work, or attend school was determined by their race; whether they were black or white. This became a formal racial segregation law and also required that white and black Americans be completely separated. The two races had to use different entrances to buildings such as cinemas, use different toilets and drink from different fountains. Racial segregation also occurred in South Africa during the apartheid era, resulting in “Little Apartheid” legislation dictating who South African people could spend time with or have relationships with (Dixon and Hinchcliffe, 2014, p96-97). Both of these phenomena examples create disconnects with other races due to segregation, as black citizens could not associate with white citizens. Within their racial groups this created race-based connections and they could only associate with each other in the same group, therefore showing integration as a result of legislation and laws. Being segregated, this limits and shapes the social life of a city as citizens are connected and disconnected with other people solely based on their race. Becoming part of a group often creates bonds of solidarity, a sense of common belonging and causes people to feel connected to each other, despite feeling disconnected from other groups due to social division (Dixon and Hinchcliffe, 2014, p96) . Class divisions can also be used as an example of segregation and integration within a city. Within the city of Manchester, the richer class managed to split from the poorer class by 1850, thus showing segregation between the two groups. The poorer class lived in working-class terraced houses within Manchester's inner ring, and the richer class lived in suburban villas on Manchester's outer ring. This was called the "doughnut" shape of the city and can still be observed in today's city of Manchester. Class-based segregation remains unchanged within Manchester, however mixed housing has been initiated in most areas to change this type of segregation within the city. city ​​(Dixon and Hinchcliffe, 2014, p96). This example of class segregation also created a disconnect between the two classes, as richer people indirectly did not have to live, work or attend school with the poorer class because they were in different areas of Manchester, however in recent society the two classes could integrate and connect thanks to the mixed housing that has been developed in most areas. This means that different classes can live in the same areas as each other, thus preventing class division and segregation. Also..