What is meant by "institutional discrimination"?

Institutional discrimination refers to unequal treatment that arises from established policies, practices, and procedures within social institutions such as education, government, healthcare, and the workplace. This type of discrimination is often built into the structures of these institutions, leading to systemic inequalities that affect certain groups disproportionately, often based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or disability.

For instance, a university might have admission policies that inadvertently disadvantage students from certain socio-economic backgrounds or racial groups, even if there is no overt intention to discriminate. This highlights how institutional discrimination can perpetuate social inequalities, even in environments that strive for fairness and equality.

Understanding institutional discrimination is crucial because it emphasizes the need for reform within societal structures, as opposed to focusing solely on individual behavior or interpersonal relationships. This concept also helps in recognizing that discrimination can be pervasive and ingrained in society, necessitating broader efforts for change that target these systemic issues rather than only addressing isolated incidents.