Which term refers specifically to legal segregation?

The term that specifically refers to legal segregation is de jure segregation. This concept denotes a system in which laws and regulations establish and enforce segregation, often in areas such as education, housing, and public services. De jure segregation means that the separation of groups—typically based on race—is mandated by law, creating an official, institutionalized division.

Historical examples of de jure segregation include the Jim Crow laws in the United States, which enforced racial segregation in the Southern states until this system was dismantled during the Civil Rights Movement. This form of segregation is distinct from de facto segregation, which occurs as a result of social practices and economic inequalities rather than official legislation. Understanding these fundamental differences is crucial in discussions about civil rights and social justice, as they underline the ways in which systemic inequality can be perpetuated both through formal laws and informal societal norms.