Final answer:
Housing discrimination affects economic disparities, with people of color being shown fewer homes and rental properties and undergoing more stringent checks. Such discrimination limits access to communities with better employment opportunities. Victims should report discrimination to the HUD for investigation and remedy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discrimination in the housing market can significantly hinder one's access to employment opportunities, exacerbating the cycle of systemic inequality. According to a study by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) department, housing discrimination is intricately connected to economic disparities. Black homebuyers are shown 18 percent fewer homes than white homebuyers, and Asians 19 percent fewer. Hispanics face more discrimination in renting, with more stringent credit checks and access to fewer rental units. This subtle form of 'hidden' discrimination makes it harder for affected groups to reside in communities with better employment prospects, such as those with good schools.
The Fair Housing Act was established to prevent such discrimination, yet studies indicate that discriminatory practices persist, albeit in less overt forms. These practices are not just morally wrong, but also illegal, and victims of housing discrimination are encouraged to report such instances to the HUD for investigation and remedy. The legacy of redlining continues to have repercussions today, and the fight against housing discrimination is ongoing to ensure equal housing opportunities for all.