Final answer:
White flight refers to the migration of white residents from urban neighborhoods upon the arrival of minority families which has led to decreased funding for public services, deteriorating urban centers, and socio-economic divides between urban and suburban areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is 'White Flight'?
White flight is a term used to describe the phenomenon where white residents move away from urban neighborhoods at the arrival of minority families. This mass movement of predominantly middle-class white citizens to the suburbs began in the mid-20th century and has had significant impacts on the economic and social structure of cities.
This trend intensified with events such as the end of racial segregation established by Brown v. Board of Education and the influx of Cuban immigrants during the Mariel boatlift.
Effects on Cities
White flight dramatically altered cities by reducing the urban tax base, which resulted in a decline in funding for essential public services like transportation, police and fire departments, and public schools.
As more affluent residents left, the urban centers suffered, while suburban areas experienced an increase in wealth, with well-funded schools and growing economies. Moreover, the socio-economic divide grew as suburbs became insulated from the issues suffered by urban and rural poor such as unemployment, crime, and substandard education.