What term describes segregation that occurs in practice, even if not mandated by law?

The term that describes segregation occurring in practice, even without legal mandates, is "de facto segregation." This concept refers to the circumstances where groups are separated based on social, economic, or cultural factors rather than through official legislation. De facto segregation can arise from various non-legal influences, such as residential patterns, economic disparities, or societal norms, leading to separation in schools, neighborhoods, or public life.

In contrast, "de jure segregation" refers specifically to segregation enforced by law, highlighting the distinction between legally sanctioned separation and that which occurs through social processes. While options like "systemic segregation" and "institutional segregation" point to broader discriminatory practices, they don't specifically capture the essence of segregation that exists independently from legal requirements, which is why they are less suitable in this context. Thus, understanding the nuances of de facto versus de jure segregation is crucial in examining the nature of social division within historical and contemporary contexts.