What kind of behavior is involved when sellers are discouraged from listing their homes based on the neighborhood's racial composition?

The behavior described in the question pertains to the practice of steering. Steering occurs when real estate agents or others involved in housing transactions guide potential homebuyers or sellers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on the racial or ethnic composition of those areas. This action discourages sellers from listing their homes in neighborhoods populated by certain racial groups, which perpetuates segregation and inequity in housing markets.

Steering is particularly problematic because it constitutes a violation of fair housing laws, which aim to ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities without discrimination. By preying on sellers' concerns regarding their neighborhoods' racial makeup, individuals engaging in steering create an environment where racial and ethnic inequities are maintained rather than challenged, obstructing diverse community development.

The other concepts—gatekeeping, redlining, and segregation—although related to issues of discrimination and housing, specifically refer to different practices or outcomes, making them less relevant to the question at hand.