What is meant by integration and segregation?

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Integration refers to the process or act of combining or mixing different elements or groups together in a way that promotes inclusivity, diversity, and equality. In a social context, it often refers to the blending or coexistence of people from different racial, ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic backgrounds within a community or society.

Segregation, on the other hand, refers to the separation or division of different groups or elements, often based on certain characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, or social status. It involves the isolation or exclusion of certain groups from others, leading to separate environments or spaces for each group.

While integration emphasizes the idea of unity and equal access for all individuals, segregation focuses on maintaining separate identities or spaces for different groups. Integration aims to foster understanding, cooperation, and harmony among various groups, while segregation can contribute to social divisions, inequality, and lack of interaction between different communities.