Unraveling Systematic Racist Policies and Structural Racism

Over the past few weeks, I've written about definitions and confusion regarding many of the terms used in DEI discussions addressing bias, bigotry, prejudice, and racism. Now, in this concluding article, I will focus on the intricate layers of systematic racist policies and structural racism, exploring their similarities and differences as they support oppression.

Systematic racism refers to the embedded discriminatory practices within laws, policies, and institutions. It's the intentional or unintentional structuring of benefits to favor one group over others. Structural racism, on the other hand, is the overarching system in which public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations, and other norms work in various, often reinforcing ways to perpetuate racial group inequity.

Both systematic racist policies and structural racism are connected due to their similar outcomes, contributing to the maintenance of racial hierarchies. They both manifest in disparities in wealth, education, healthcare, and criminal justice, job opportunities and more. Michelle Alexander, author of "The New Jim Crow," captures the policies and structures this way: "We have not ended racial caste in America; we have merely redesigned it."

While systematic racist policies often involve overt legal frameworks, such as gerrymandered voting districts or redlining in housing, structural racism is more insidious, embedded in societal norms and institutional practices that don't always appear racist at face value. A 2020 study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that Black men receive 20% longer sentences than White men for similar crimes, illustrating the impact of structural racism in the criminal justice system specifically and society in general.

Systematic racism and structural racism perpetuate cycles of oppression. They limit access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, reinforcing socioeconomic disparities. A Brookings Institution report highlights that the wealth gap between Black and White households in the U.S. remains staggeringly wide, with Black families owning about one-tenth the wealth of White families.

Addressing these entrenched issues requires comprehensive policy reforms, community engagement, and a commitment to equity. Each of us can make a difference toward change. It starts with speaking up at work, in your community, and even having the willingness to engage in critical conversations with friends. As sociologist Joe Feagin notes, "Real change requires understanding the system of racism and committing to its dismantling."