Which of the following best describes the purpose of redlining?

Redlining refers to the practice of systematically restricting access to housing, mortgages, and insurance for residents in certain neighborhoods, typically based on racial or ethnic demographics. This approach often involves lenders drawing red lines on maps around areas they deemed too risky for investment due to the predominance of minority populations.

The purpose of redlining was to limit lending to these specific demographic areas, effectively freezing individuals in situations of financial disadvantage and ensuring limited access to economic mobility through property ownership. This discriminatory practice contributed to the segregation of communities and created long-lasting impacts on wealth accumulation for those affected.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the historical context and implications of redlining. Promoting equal housing opportunities runs contrary to the essence of redlining, which actively inhibits access based on demographics. Assessing property values is unrelated to the discriminatory practices associated with redlining, as it involves evaluating properties for financial transactions rather than restricting access based on location or ethnicity. Enhancing economic development suggests positive actions that foster growth and inclusion, which does not reflect the reality of redlining's consequences.