What term is used to describe the patterns of discrimination based on ethnicity that are embedded in social institutions?

The term that describes the patterns of discrimination based on ethnicity that are embedded in social institutions is institutional racism. This concept refers to the ways in which societal structures, policies, and practices systematically disadvantage certain ethnic groups while privileging others, often without overt intent to discriminate. It operates through established laws, norms, and organizational practices that perpetuate inequality and affect various aspects of life, such as education, employment, healthcare, and the justice system.

Institutional racism can be subtle, manifesting through unequal access to resources, biased treatment in social services, and systemic barriers that hinder the advancement of marginalized groups. This understanding emphasizes the role of institutions in maintaining and perpetuating ethnic inequalities, contrasting personal prejudice—which focuses more on individual attitudes rather than the larger systems of power that shape societal interactions.

In contrast, ethnic prejudice involves individual attitudes and beliefs about a particular ethnic group, racial bias can refer more broadly to unfair treatment based on race without the institutional context, and cultural appropriation relates to the adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without understanding or respect for its significance.