Structural Racism vs. Systemic Racism

Attribute	Structural Racism	Systemic Racism
Definition	Refers to the ways in which historical, cultural, institutional, and interpersonal forms of racism interact to systematically disadvantage certain racial groups	Refers to the policies and practices entrenched in established institutions, which result in the exclusion or promotion of designated groups
Impact	Leads to disparities in areas such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare	Leads to perpetuation of racial inequalities and discrimination within society
Root Causes	Rooted in historical injustices, discrimination, and segregation	Rooted in institutional practices and policies that perpetuate racial inequalities

Definition

Structural racism refers to the ways in which societal institutions such as schools, housing, healthcare, and criminal justice system perpetuate racial inequality. It is embedded within the systems and structures of society, leading to disparities in opportunities and outcomes based on race. On the other hand, systemic racism is a broader concept that encompasses not only the institutionalized discrimination but also the cultural norms and practices that perpetuate racial inequality.

Root Causes

Structural racism is rooted in historical injustices such as slavery, segregation, and discriminatory policies that have created lasting disparities in wealth, education, and health among different racial groups. These disparities are maintained and reinforced through policies and practices that disadvantage certain racial groups. Systemic racism, on the other hand, is rooted in the belief systems and ideologies that justify and perpetuate racial inequality, such as the idea of white supremacy and racial stereotypes.

Impact

Structural racism has a direct impact on the lived experiences of individuals from marginalized racial groups, leading to limited access to quality education, healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities. This can result in higher rates of poverty, incarceration, and poor health outcomes among these groups. Systemic racism, on the other hand, has a more pervasive impact on society as a whole, shaping cultural norms, attitudes, and behaviors that perpetuate racial inequality and discrimination.

Intersectionality

Structural racism often intersects with other forms of oppression such as sexism, classism, and homophobia, leading to compounded disadvantages for individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups. For example, a Black woman may face discrimination based on both her race and gender, leading to unique challenges in accessing opportunities and resources. Systemic racism, on the other hand, can also intersect with other systems of oppression, but its focus is primarily on the ways in which racial inequality is perpetuated through societal structures and institutions.

Resistance and Change

Addressing structural racism requires systemic changes to policies, practices, and institutions that perpetuate racial inequality. This may involve implementing affirmative action programs, investing in communities of color, and dismantling discriminatory practices within organizations. Systemic racism, on the other hand, requires a broader cultural shift in attitudes and beliefs about race, as well as challenging the systems of power and privilege that uphold racial inequality.

Conclusion

While structural racism and systemic racism are closely related concepts that both contribute to racial inequality, they operate at different levels and require different approaches to address. By understanding the root causes and impacts of both forms of racism, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of their race or background.