Segregation is a term derived from the Latin word segregatio. Literally, it translates as "separation", or "restriction". Segregation can be of various types - they will be discussed in the article. In addition, the question will be raised about gender segregation (this phenomenon is somewhat different from the usual practice of applying the concept), the degree of its influence on the professional and especially the political sphere.
What is segregation: definition
Let's start, as usual, with the terminology. Segregation is a phenomenon that refers to the policy or practice of separating racial or ethnic groups in a population. This may manifest itself in the restriction or prohibition of living together, studying and / or working, and other forms of social activity.
Gradation
Segregation is divided into the following levels:
- microsegregation - includes segregation of public spaces (eg toilets, showers, wagons, etc.). Example - USA beforethe sixties of the last century: the separation of white and black populations;
- mesosegregation - separation of one part of the population from another within the city by district (example - ghetto);
- macro-segregation - the separation of peoples over large areas (for example, reservations).
Types of segregation
By types, two main groups are divided: segregation (examples will be considered during the explanation, as well as in the previous paragraph) actual and legal.
Both types in the very name carry a clue, then is the interpretation of terms. Actual - upon availability, legal - in accordance with the legislation of the country.
De facto segregation
Actual segregation is a spontaneous, self-made phenomenon. It arises in multinational and multiracial societies, when resettlement, division of labor and education between representatives of different groups (religious, racial or ethnic) occurs "by itself", in the course of the development of society. The practice of such segregation is what is typical for metropolitan areas, large cities. The clearest example is the division of ethnic groups according to their place of residence in Western countries.
Legal segregation
Legal segregation is an officially confirmed by law or some other document, that is, legally confirmed, separation. The policy of legal segregation is a phenomenon that manifests itself in the isolated and often forced resettlement of various races and ethnic groups. Examples - ghetto,reservations and more. Legal segregation is usually accompanied by restrictions on rights and freedoms, such as movement, choice of profession, place of residence and study.
This type of segregation is also a form of discrimination based on nationality, religion and race. It took especially harsh forms during the Nazi regime in Germany.
Gender segregation
Gender occupational segregation is a phenomenon in which there is a separation of men and women according to the possibility of obtaining positions of different status. This refers to the professional-structural framework.
It also has two types.
Horizontal segregation
A concept that includes gender segregation by industry. This means that some areas in which women work are associated with femininity, and those in which men are associated with masculinity.
Vertical segregation
The division is not according to branches of professions, but according to different types of work performed by a representative of one gender or another.
Stereotyping about "male" and "female" professions
The phenomenon of horizontal occupational segregation is associated with typical ideas about "male" and "female" professions. Although some skills are actually more inherent in one gender than another, nevertheless, stereotypes arise not on the basis of these biological features, but on the basis of the natural distribution of social roles.
Feminization of areas
The feminization of areas of work comes down to the fact that some professions that were previously considered "male" are now becoming "unisex", that is, they do not depend on gender. Research also shows that the more feminized, the lower the wages in such areas.
Hierarchical structure of positions
Vertical occupational segregation is maintained by recruiting different genders to different levels of the same occupational group. Moreover, women are placed at lower levels, and men, respectively, at higher ones.
Political sphere
Gender stereotypes also affect the political sphere. First of all, it is necessary to understand that they will exist as long as there is a difference between the sexes.
In the political sphere, the concept of leadership is especially important, which differ significantly for men and women. The former, for example, are more often credited with competence, and the latter with expressiveness.
So how does gender segregation manifest itself in the political sphere? If we consider this phenomenon on the example of the Russian Federation, then we can clearly see that women's representation at the level of the chambers of the State Duma is extremely low.
