What is it called when people are directed away from certain areas based on discriminatory criteria?

Steering refers specifically to the practice of directing potential homebuyers or renters toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on discriminatory criteria, such as their race, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. This unethical tactic is employed by some real estate professionals and can contribute to neighborhood segregation, limiting individuals’ choices and affecting the demographic composition of communities.

In contrast, redlining is a term that describes the systematic denial of various services, including banking and insurance, to residents of certain areas, often based on racial and economic factors, but it does not inherently involve directing individuals in their home search. Disparaging refers to speaking about someone in a way that shows strong disapproval and can undermine one’s reputation, but it does not encapsulate the concepts of property and neighborhood selection. Segregation generally refers to the separation of different groups within society, which can be a result of both steering and redlining but does not specifically address the act of directing individuals in housing contexts.

Understanding steering is crucial for real estate professionals to ensure compliance with fair housing laws and promote equitable access to housing for everyone.