White flight

Definition

White flight refers to the phenomenon where white residents move away from neighborhoods as African American or other minority populations move in, often in response to desegregation and changing demographics. This trend significantly influenced urban and suburban development, as it not only reshaped the racial and economic landscapes of cities but also fueled the growth of suburbs during the post-World War II era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. White flight gained momentum in the 1950s and 1960s, as African Americans began moving into predominantly white neighborhoods following desegregation efforts.
2. The movement of white families to suburban areas contributed to the decline of many urban centers, leading to economic challenges for cities left behind.
3. White flight was often fueled by fears of declining property values and perceptions of increased crime in areas experiencing demographic changes.
4. The phenomenon reinforced racial segregation in housing and education, perpetuating disparities in wealth and access to resources between communities.
5. Government policies, such as the GI Bill and highway construction, facilitated suburban growth, which was often accompanied by exclusionary practices that limited access for minority populations.

Review Questions

• How did white flight impact the economic development of urban areas during the mid-20th century?
  • White flight significantly affected urban economic development by leading to a decline in population and investment in cities. As white residents moved to suburbs, urban areas experienced reduced tax revenues and a shrinking labor force, contributing to deteriorating infrastructure and public services. This cycle made cities less attractive for new businesses and residents, exacerbating issues like poverty and crime while increasing reliance on federal funding for revitalization efforts.
• Discuss how white flight relates to the broader trends of suburbanization and segregation in post-World War II America.
  • White flight is closely connected to suburbanization as many white families left urban centers for newly developed suburbs. This migration was part of a larger trend where people sought better living conditions, perceived safety, and quality education. Simultaneously, this exodus reinforced segregation patterns as minority groups were often left behind in cities that faced economic decline. The interconnectedness of these trends revealed deep-seated racial tensions and shaped residential patterns that persist today.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of white flight on contemporary American society, particularly regarding education and community resources.
  • The long-term effects of white flight on contemporary American society are profound, particularly in the realms of education and community resources. Schools in predominantly minority neighborhoods often face funding shortages due to lower property taxes resulting from declining home values. This disparity leads to unequal educational opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limited access to quality resources. Furthermore, white flight has contributed to stark racial divides in access to healthcare, employment opportunities, and community services, highlighting systemic inequalities that continue to challenge social cohesion.

Related terms

Redlining: A discriminatory practice by which banks and insurers refuse to provide services to certain neighborhoods based on their racial composition, contributing to segregation and disinvestment.

Suburbanization: The process by which people move from urban areas to suburban areas, often driven by a desire for better living conditions, schools, and amenities.

Desegregation: The process of eliminating racial segregation in schools and public spaces, most notably enforced through legal rulings like Brown v. Board of Education.