Which term describes racism embedded in social institutions and structures?

• A. Systemic Racism
• B. Individual Racism
• C. Cultural Racism
• D. Racial Profiling

Answer: (A)

Racism embedded in social institutions and structures is described as systemic racism. This means that policies, practices, and norms across major parts of society—like education, housing, employment, healthcare, and the criminal justice system—produce and sustain racial inequities even when individuals don’t intend harm. It’s about how the system as a whole operates in ways that advantage some groups and disadvantage others, across generations.

This differs from individual racism, which focuses on a person’s attitudes or actions. It also differs from cultural racism, which assigns value to cultures themselves. Racial profiling refers to specific enforcement practices that target individuals based on race, rather than a broad pattern built into institutions.