Racial segregation refers to the practice or policy of separating people into different racial categories for the purpose of social, political and economic control. It involves the physical separation of individuals based on their race, as well as the systematic discrimination against certain races in areas such as housing, education, employment, healthcare, and other public services. Racial segregation has been a major issue in many countries throughout history, particularly in the United States where it was enforced through laws such as Jim Crow Laws until the 1960s. The aim of racial segregation is to maintain power imbalances between different races and to keep certain groups marginalized and disadvantaged.