Which term refers to the legal separation of people based on race?

The term that refers to the legal separation of people based on race is segregation. This concept historically arose from laws and practices that enforced the separation of different racial groups in various aspects of social life, including schools, transportation, and public facilities. Segregation was institutionalized in many societies, most notably in the United States, prior to the Civil Rights Movement, and it was often justified under the premise that it maintained social order or cultural identity. The negative implications of segregation became increasingly evident, highlighting issues of inequality and discrimination, leading to significant legal and social challenges against such practices.

In contrast, integration refers to the process of bringing individuals from different racial or ethnic backgrounds into equal participation within society. Discrimination involves the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, particularly concerning race, while affirmative action refers to policies aimed at increasing opportunities for historically marginalized groups, often in employment or education contexts.