Final answer:
It is true that racial segregation in housing persists in America. Historical practices and societal norms have resulted in de facto segregation, which continues despite laws like the 1968 Civil Rights Act intended to prevent it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that housing in America continues to evidence a high degree of racial segregation is true. Despite legislative efforts such as the 1968 Civil Rights Act which aimed to mitigate segregation, cities like Milwaukee remain highly divided along racial lines. This ongoing segregation not only hampers the American dream of stable and affordable housing for all but contradicts the country's founding principle of equality.
De facto segregation, a term used to describe segregation that occurs without legal requirement but rather through individual choices and social circumstances, persists. Sociologists measure this using segregation indices, which still show high levels of segregation in areas like the New York metropolitan area. The legacy of historical housing practices such as redlining, restrictive covenants, and discriminatory lending contributes heavily to current residential patterns.
Moreover, government actions, such as the construction of public housing, inadvertently fostered the concentration of minority groups in certain neighborhoods. The migration of African Americans from the rural south to northern cities during periods of industrial demand also led to the creation of distinct communities within larger cities. Historical practices and societal norms have had lasting effects on where and how different racial and ethnic groups live in the United States, maintaining a segregated housing landscape well into the modern era.