Institutional Racism - GCSE Sociology Definition

Institutional racism refers to the policies, practices, and procedures ingrained within organisations and institutions, such as schools, the police, and workplaces, that result in unequal treatment and outcomes for people based on their race or ethnicity. It is not necessarily the result of individual prejudice but rather systemic structures and cultural norms that disadvantage minority groups, perpetuating discrimination and inequality.

For GCSE Sociology students, understanding institutional racism is essential in analysing how these systems influence social patterns, contributing to disparities in education, employment, and justice among different racial and ethnic groups.