Racism: meaning, definitions and examples

Racism is a broad term used to describe beliefs, actions, or policies that discriminate against individuals based on their race or ethnicity. It generally refers to systemic issues and societal attitudes.

• The fight against racism has been a major focus of civil rights movements.
• The organization aims to eradicate racism from the workplace.

Racial discrimination refers to unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals on the basis of their race. It's commonly used in legal or social contexts where there is clear differential treatment.

• The company was sued for racial discrimination in its promotion practices.
• There are laws in place to protect people from racial discrimination.

Racial prejudice involves preconceived opinions or attitudes about people based solely on their race. It is often personal and can be either overt or subtle.

• Her racial prejudice was evident in the way she spoke about other ethnic groups.
• Overcoming racial prejudice requires education and open dialogue.

Racial bias describes a predisposition or prejudice against individuals based on their race. It's often used in contexts where individuals or institutions show favoritism or disadvantage due to racial factors, sometimes subconsciously.

• The study revealed significant racial bias in hiring practices.
• Efforts to reduce racial bias in policing are ongoing.

Racism (repeated entry) refers to actions, beliefs, and policies that result in unequal treatment of people based on their race, often manifesting in societal norms and institutional practices.

• The company was accused of systemic racism in its promotion policies.
• Her studies focus on the impact of racism on mental health.

Racialism refers to the belief that the human species is naturally divided into distinct races with certain traits and characteristics that determine behavior and abilities. It is a less common term and often carries a scholarly connotation.

• Some historical theories of racialism have been debunked by modern science.
• His views on human diversity were criticized as bordering on racialism.

Racial discrimination speaks to unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on their race. This term is frequently used in legal settings and discussions about civil rights.

• Racial discrimination in hiring practices is illegal in many countries.
• She filed a complaint about racial discrimination at her school.

Racial segregation refers to the enforced separation of different racial groups in daily life, such as in housing, education, and employment. This term is often used in historical contexts or discussions about civil rights movements.

• The policy of racial segregation was prevalent in the United States during the Jim Crow era.
• Racial segregation in schools was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the Brown v. Board of Education case.