Richard Rothstein’s book, available in digital format, examines how federal, state, and local governments systematically imposed residential segregation in the United States. It details explicit policies and practices, from redlining and restrictive covenants to public housing siting and highway construction, demonstrating how these actions created and reinforced racial disparities in wealth, opportunity, and living conditions. The digital version offers convenient access to this meticulously researched and documented historical analysis.
Understanding the historical context of discriminatory housing policies is crucial for addressing present-day inequalities. This work provides a framework for understanding the persistence of segregation and its far-reaching consequences, including disparities in educational access, economic mobility, and exposure to environmental hazards. By exposing these historical injustices, the book encourages readers to engage with contemporary issues of racial justice and urban development. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, scholars, activists, and anyone seeking to understand the roots of systemic racism.
