Housing Discrimination

Definition

Housing discrimination refers to the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups when it comes to accessing housing based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. During the Jim Crow Era in the U.S.A., housing discrimination was prevalent and enforced through laws and practices that segregated communities along racial lines.

Related terms

Redlining: Redlining refers to a discriminatory practice where banks and financial institutions denied loans or insurance to certain neighborhoods based on their racial composition.

Blockbusting: Blockbusting refers to the unethical practice of persuading homeowners to sell their properties at low prices due to fear of an impending influx of minority residents.

Racial Steering: Racial steering occurs when real estate agents guide prospective homebuyers towards or away from certain neighborhoods based on their race.