Systemic barriers

Definition

Systemic barriers are obstacles that exist within the structures and systems of society, preventing certain groups from accessing opportunities, resources, and rights. These barriers are often deeply rooted in social, economic, and political contexts, affecting marginalized communities, particularly in terms of education, employment, and housing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Ann Petry's 'The Street,' systemic barriers manifest through the protagonist's struggle against the limitations imposed by societal structures like race and gender.
2. The character Lutie Johnson experiences various systemic barriers, including discrimination in housing and employment opportunities that hinder her pursuit of a better life.
3. Petry illustrates how systemic barriers are not just individual challenges but are woven into the fabric of society, impacting the daily lives of marginalized characters.
4. The novel highlights the cyclical nature of systemic barriers, showing how one obstacle can lead to another, trapping individuals in a cycle of poverty and despair.
5. Petry's portrayal of systemic barriers emphasizes the need for societal change to dismantle these obstacles and create a more equitable environment for all.

Review Questions

• How do systemic barriers affect the character development of Lutie Johnson in 'The Street'?
  • Systemic barriers significantly shape Lutie's character arc throughout 'The Street.' As she faces discrimination in housing and employment due to her race and gender, these obstacles not only hinder her aspirations but also force her to confront the harsh realities of life in a racially stratified society. Lutie's resilience is tested as she navigates these challenges, illustrating how systemic barriers can stifle personal growth and limit opportunities for success.
• Discuss the ways Petry uses the setting in 'The Street' to highlight systemic barriers faced by African Americans.
  • Petry employs the urban landscape of Harlem as a vivid backdrop that reflects the systemic barriers faced by African Americans. The dilapidated buildings and oppressive environment symbolize the social and economic challenges imposed by racism. By situating her characters in this setting, Petry illustrates how systemic issues like inadequate housing, limited job prospects, and racial discrimination are entrenched in the very fabric of their surroundings, making it difficult for them to escape their circumstances.
• Evaluate the implications of systemic barriers as portrayed in 'The Street' on contemporary discussions about racial inequality.
  • The portrayal of systemic barriers in 'The Street' has significant implications for modern conversations about racial inequality. By highlighting how these obstacles are ingrained in societal structures, Petry's work serves as a critique of ongoing disparities that continue to affect marginalized communities today. This understanding fosters a broader awareness of the necessity for policy reform and social justice initiatives aimed at dismantling these barriers, reminding readers that achieving equity requires not only individual effort but also systemic change.

Related terms

Institutional Racism: The policies and practices within institutions that produce unequal outcomes for different racial groups, reinforcing systemic barriers.

Social Inequality: The unequal distribution of resources and opportunities among different social groups, often perpetuated by systemic barriers.

Structural Discrimination: The systematic exclusion of individuals from full participation in society based on their identity, often manifesting through policies and practices.