Institutional racism

Definition

Institutional racism is the systematic distribution of resources, power, and opportunity in a society to the benefit of people who are white and the exclusion or harm towards groups that are racially marginalized. It manifests in policies, laws, and practices within public and private institutions that perpetuate racial inequalities.

Related terms

Systemic Racism:

A broader concept that includes institutional racism but also encompasses societal norms and cultural biases that perpetuate racial inequality.

Racial Profiling: The use of an individual’s race or ethnicity by law enforcement as a key factor in deciding whether to engage in enforcement (e.g., stops, searches).

Civil Rights Movement:

A historical movement during the 20th century aimed at ending racial discrimination and gaining equal rights under the law for African Americans and other marginalized racial groups