Structural racism refers to the totality of ways in which societies foster racial discrimination through mutually reinforcing systems of housing, education, employment, earnings, benefits, credit, media, health care, and criminal justice. It is a form of racism that is embedded in the social, economic, educational, and political systems of society. Structural racism is enforced through institutional systems like seemingly neutral recruitment policies, which lead to the exclusion of people of color from organizations, positions of power, and social prominence. It exists because of white supremacy: a pattern of beliefs, assumptions, and behaviors that advance the interests of white people and influences decision-making to maintain their dominance.

Structural racism is different from individual or personal racism, which refers to the beliefs and actions of individuals that result in discriminatory treatment of others based on their race. Structural racism is a broader concept that focuses on the norms and practices within an institution, and the interactions among institutions, which produce racialized outcomes against non-white people.

Structural racism can have significant impacts on health, education, employment, and other areas of life, leading to disparities and inequities for people of color. Achieving health equity for all in the U.S. will require dismantling this country’s historical legacy of structural racism.

In summary, structural racism is a form of racism that is embedded in the social, economic, educational, and political systems of society. It is enforced through institutional systems and produces racialized outcomes against non-white people. Achieving equity for all will require dismantling the historical legacy of structural racism.