What impact does segregation have on students according to educational research?

Segregation in educational settings has been shown through research to have detrimental effects on students' self-esteem. When students are placed in segregated environments—whether based on race, disability, or socioeconomic status—they often face negative perceptions and lower expectations from peers and educators. This can lead to feelings of isolation, inferiority, and a lack of belonging, all of which negatively impact self-esteem.

Students in segregated environments may also receive fewer resources and less academic support compared to their peers in integrated settings, further exacerbating feelings of inadequacy. The lack of interaction with diverse groups can limit their social skills and opportunities to learn from peers with different backgrounds and abilities, reinforcing a sense of isolation and decreasing overall self-worth.

In contrast, research often indicates that inclusive and integrated educational settings can enhance self-esteem by fostering a sense of community, providing diverse social interactions, and validating the worth of each student, regardless of their differences.