In 1950, Reggie and Teresa, an African American couple, purchased their first home. Though they had the savings, income, and credit to buy a house in a wealthy white neighborhood, they were prevented from their bank from receiving a mortgage for a home outside of an African American neighborhood. In their neighborhood, property values were lower, schools were poorly funded, public services (such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and street lights) were non-existent or poorly maintained, and police presence was high and hostile. The same year, Clifford and Judy, a white couple, purchased a house in the city's white-only section, where property values were high, schools were well-funded, public services were plentiful, and police officers were a friendly presence. Now that Reggie and Teresa and Clifford and Judy have passed away, their children are inheriting their property. What social phenomenon will make it likely that Reggie and Teresa's children will inherit less valuable property than Clifford and Judy's children?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Racial segregation in housing is the social phenomenon that led to Reggie and Teresa being restricted to a neighborhood with lower property values, poorer schools, and less public services compared to the neighborhood where Clifford and Judy were able to purchase their home. This segregation has long-term effects on the value of the properties that are passed down to the next generation.

In 1950, Reggie and Teresa, an African American Couple, Purchased