Racism is a belief system or social practice that asserts the superiority of one race over others, leading to discrimination and prejudice based on racial characteristics. It encompasses both individual behaviors and institutional policies that perpetuate unequal treatment and opportunities.
Related terms
Prejudice: A preconceived opinion about an individual or group without factual basis or experience.
Discrimination: The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.
Institutional Racism: A form of racism expressed in social and political institutions, reflected in disparities regarding wealth, income, criminal justice, employment, housing, health care, political power, and education