'The inner citadels of the color line’: Mapping the micro-ecology of segregation in everyday life spaces

Dixon, John; Tredoux, Colin; Durrheim, Kevin; Finchilescu, Gillian and Clack, Beverley (2008). 'The inner citadels of the color line’: Mapping the micro-ecology of segregation in everyday life spaces. Personality and Social Psychology Compass, 2(4) pp. 1547–1569.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2008.00123.x

Abstract

The role of racial segregation in perpetuating racial prejudice and inequality has been widely investigated by social scientists. Most research has concentrated on the macro-sociological organization of institutions of residence, education and employment. In this paper we suggest that such work may be usefully complemented by research that investigates the so-called ‘micro-ecology of segregation’ in everyday life spaces -- the dynamic, largely informal network of social practices through which individuals maintain racial isolation within settings where members of other race groups are physically co-present. Developing this argument, we discuss some historical examples of research on the micro-ecological dimension of race segregation in the USA. We also draw examples from an ongoing program of work on everyday practices of contact and segregation in post-apartheid South Africa. The paper concludes by exploring some conceptual and methodological implications of treating racial segregation as a micro-ecological practice.

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