Why are so few American communities racially and economically integrated today? Many believe that racially and ethnically segregated neighborhoods have resulted from individual choice. While choice has been a factor, residential segregation is primarily the result of federal, state, and local housing laws and policies. It began with New Deal legislation that favored certain groups while excluding others.

In this lesson, you will learn how the policies and practices of the New Deal era—including redlining and the construction of segregation walls, public housing projects, and highways—have all contributed to residential segregation. You also will analyze why homeownership is critically important for building generational wealth and opportunity. At the end of the lesson, you will be asked to answer the essential question:

Essential Question

How have government policies and practices contributed to residential segregation?