Final answer:
Segregation between the rich and poor remains due to economic disparities leading to neighborhood segregation, practices such as redlining, and policies that inadvertently maintain segregated communities, such as public housing and white flight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason for segregation between the rich and poor, even where there is a willingness to live amongst each other, is mainly due to economic disparities which lead to neighborhood segregation. Economic resources influence where individuals can afford to live, and over time, this economic segregation can become entrenched through various social and policy mechanisms. For example, discriminatory practices such as redlining and restrictive covenants have historically prevented certain minority groups from living in more affluent areas, leading to segregated communities by default, known as de facto segregation. Moreover, public housing policies and practices like white flight have exacerbated the situation, leading to a pronounced gap between neighborhoods of different socioeconomic status.
These segregations have profound effects on society, including an impact on the distribution of resources like quality education and social services, which further perpetuates inequality. A shared level of income and education among residents often characterizes neighborhoods, which means that affluent individuals typically don't live next door to poorer families. Residential segregation is not just a result of economic factors but is also maintained by a desire to preserve social homogeneity and maintain the status quo.