Discrimination vs. Segregation What's the Difference? Discrimination and segregation are two interconnected concepts that involve the mistreatment and exclusion of certain individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or other characteristics. Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment or prejudice against individuals or groups, often resulting in unequal opportunities, denial of rights, or social disadvantages. On the other hand, segregation refers to the ... Learn what segregation means in law and history, and how it affects people of different races, ethnicities, and religions. Explore the cases of Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education that challenged and overturned the doctrine of separate but equal. segregation , separation of groups of people with differing characteristics, often taken to connote a condition of inequality. Racial segregation is one of many types of segregation , which can range from deliberate and systematic persecution through more subtle types of discrimination to self-imposed separation. Segregation refers to the practice or policy of separating individuals or groups based on certain characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or socio-economic status.