Economic Segregation and Its Persistence

Economic segregation in the United States continues to be a significant issue, often overshadowed by the history of racial segregation. Even after the enactment of civil rights legislation in the 1960s, certain exclusionary zoning laws persist that disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and communities. These laws, while not explicitly racial, create barriers that prevent economically disadvantaged groups from accessing wealthier neighborhoods. The persistence of such laws illustrates that economic segregation can be as damaging as racial segregation, restricting economic mobility and opportunities for marginalized communities.