What is the Difference Between Integration and Desegregation

The main difference between integration and desegregation is that integration is mainly a social process, whereas desegregation is a legal process.

Both integration and desegregation refer to processes that end the separation and isolation of various racial groups. Moreover, desegregation is typically a legal or political process that ultimately results in integration, which is a social process where members of different racial groups experience fair and equal treatment within a desegregated society.  

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Desegregation
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Integration 
     – Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Integration and Desegregation
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Integration, Desegregation

What is Desegregation

Desegregation refers to the process of ending the segregation of two groups, typically two racial groups. The term desegregation generally refers to a political or legal process. We can also describe it as the ending of systematic racial segregation. Moreover, we usually use this term when referring to the United States.

Furthermore, desegregation was a long-term objective of the American civil rights movement, but it took many long years to achieve. Although school integration followed by the Brown vs Board of Education court case is the most well-known example of desegregation, a desegregation policy was taken into action by President Harry S. Truman’s Executive Order 9981 in 1948. According to the executive order of the President, the U.S armed forces were integrated after WWII. But it took the army some three years to fully act on this order.

Given below are some of the notable supreme court cases that paved the way to desegregation:

Notable Supreme Court Cases:

• Brown v. Bd. of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483 (1954) – ended the law for establishing separate schools for black and white students. This decision marks the beginning of the end of state-sponsored segregation.
• Katzenbach v. McClung, 379 U.S. 294 (1964) – prohibited racial discrimination in restaurants
• Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967) –  nullified all laws prohibiting interracial marriage.

What is Integration

Integration is a social process where members of different racial groups experience fair and equal treatment within a desegregated society. Desegregation leads to integration or racial integration. Moreover, the process of integration is largely a social process. It involves goals such as levelling barriers created due to racism and creating equal opportunity irrespective of race. It also involves developing a culture or society based on true diversity rather than a society where a racial minority is absorbed into the majority culture.

Furthermore, true racial integration cannot be brought about by a change in laws or policies. In fact, it requires a change in the values and attitudes of people. However, such a change may take many years.

Difference Between Integration and Desegregation

Definition

Desegregation is a legal or political process that results in ending the separation and isolation of various racial groups. Integration, on the other hand, is a social process where members of different racial groups experience fair and equal treatment within a desegregated society.

Nature

Integration is mainly a social process, whereas desegregation is a legal process.

Means

It is possible to achieve desegregation through court order or voluntary means, but integration requires action beyond desegregation. In fact, true integration needs a change in attitudes and values.

Conclusion

In brief, desegregation is a legal or political process that results in ending the separation and isolation of various racial groups. Integration, on the other hand, is a social process where members of different racial groups experience fair and equal treatment within a desegregated society. The main difference between integration and desegregation is that integration is mainly a social process, whereas desegregation is a legal process.

Reference:

1. “A Brief History of Civil Rights in the United States: Desegregation.” Guides, Georgetown Law Library.
2. Ayscue, Jennifer, and Erica Frankenberg. “Desegregation and Integration.” Oxford Bibliographies.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Little Rock integration protest” By John T. Bledsoe – available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID ppmsca.03090 (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “555993” (CC0) via Pxhere