Afterword

Abstract

The central aim of this book has been to challenge some of our most familiar notions about segregation and integration. In particular, I have defended the idea that persons belonging to stigmatized minority groups have reason to consider and pursue voluntary separation (VS) when integration either cannot deliver on its promise or simply is not an option to begin with. I have not argued that one should be complacent about segregation but rather that “integration” set on terms that favor the majority risks ignoring the relevant interests of the marginalized. Indeed, alacrity to combat segregation may do more harm than good when well-intentioned persons take a deficit view of those they presumably mean to help.