Understanding Structural Racism in Urban Environments

To address deep-seated inequalities in our cities, we must look beyond individual biases and examine the systems that produce them. This course offers a clear introduction to structural racism and its profound impact on urban planning, housing, and community development. You will transition from viewing racial disparity as a series of isolated incidents to understanding it as a built-in feature of historical and modern urban structures. What you will learn: - Define the foundational concepts of structural and systemic racism versus individual prejudice. - Analyze the history of urban planning policies, including redlining and exclusionary zoning, that created spatial segregation. - Examine how modern housing, transportation, and environmental policies perpetuate economic disparities. - Apply sociological frameworks to evaluate contemporary urban development and gentrification. - Understand the role of intersectionality and modern data-driven policy analysis in identifying systemic barriers. - Formulate community-focused strategies to advocate for equitable urban spaces. Starting with key definitions and historical contexts, the course guides you through real-world urban policy analyses and modern planning frameworks. This course is designed for beginners, community advocates, and aspiring urban planners with no prior background in sociology. Start reading today to develop a powerful structural perspective on urban inequality.