White flight

BrokenPromises JohnFekner

LevittownPA

New Zealand school decile vs roll ethnicity 2011

White flight refers to the phenomenon of white people moving out of urban areas, particularly those with significant minority populations, and into suburban or rural areas. This trend has been observed in various countries, especially in the United States, during the mid-20th century. The term "white flight" encapsulates the social, economic, and racial dynamics that lead to the migration patterns observed.

Causes

Several factors contribute to white flight, including but not limited to:

• Racial segregation and discrimination: Historical and systemic racial segregation in housing, education, and employment have led to significant disparities between white and minority communities. The desire to maintain or seek out homogeneity can drive white flight.
• Crime rates: Perceptions or realities of higher crime rates in urban areas are often cited as reasons for moving to what are perceived as safer, suburban areas.
• School quality: The quality of public schools, often perceived as better in suburban areas due to higher funding and resources, is a significant factor for families.
• Economic factors: Economic opportunities, housing values, and the desire for a higher standard of living can also motivate the movement to suburban areas.

Consequences

White flight has profound implications for both the areas that are left behind and the areas to which the population moves:

• Urban decay: The departure of middle and upper-class residents can lead to a decrease in tax revenue, which affects public services and infrastructure, contributing to urban decay.
• Segregation: The movement can exacerbate racial and economic segregation, leading to more homogenized communities and widening the gap between different racial and economic groups.
• Gentrification: In some cases, the areas that experienced white flight in the past may become targets for gentrification, leading to displacement of the original minority communities.

Responses and Solutions

Efforts to address the causes and effects of white flight include:

• Urban renewal projects: Aimed at revitalizing urban areas to attract a diverse population and stimulate economic growth.
• Fair housing laws: Enacted to combat discrimination in the housing market and to promote diversity in neighborhoods.
• Education reform: Initiatives to improve the quality of education in urban areas to retain and attract families.

See also

• Suburbanization
• Racial segregation in the United States
• Gentrification
• Urban decay