What was the cause and effect of separate but equal on American society?

The "separate but equal" doctrine, established by the Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896, legalized racial segregation in public facilities, reinforcing systemic racism and discrimination against African Americans. This led to widespread disparities in education, housing, and public services, entrenching social and economic inequalities. The doctrine fostered a societal divide, perpetuating stereotypes and limiting opportunities for marginalized communities, ultimately sparking the Civil Rights Movement aimed at dismantling these injustices. The eventual overturning of this doctrine in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 marked a significant step toward greater equality and integration in American society.