Final answer:
Testing in fair housing aims to detect and measure discrimination within the housing market, specifically unequal treatment based on race.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of testing with regards to fair housing is to identify and measure discriminatory practices within the housing market. Fair housing audits, including matched-pair testing, play a crucial role in this endeavor. In these audits, individuals of different races but with similar economic profiles inquire about housing to reveal any differential treatment based on race. The outcome of these tests can signal the presence of discrimination, which can then be addressed through legal and policy measures.
For instance, historically, Black housing seekers were told about significantly fewer housing units than their white counterparts. More recently, studies have indicated that Hispanics received information about fewer available rental units and were subjected to stricter credit checks than white renters. Undercover testing in the housing market continues as a tool to uncover more covert and systemic forms of discrimination, ensuring compliance with the Fair Housing Act and promoting equality of opportunity in housing. Such efforts not only combat discrimination but also help to highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring open and fair housing practices, thus contributing to the broader goal of social justice.