Institutional Discrimination
When an individual, or a group of individuals, experiences discrimination by an organization, this is institutional discrimination. Some would argue that brutality inflicted by police against African Americans constitutes institutional discrimination. In your discussion this week, reflect on inequalities regarding race, ethnicity, and gender.
· In your initial post, think about the ways in which these inequities are institutionalized.
· Examine either a racial/ethnic group or a gender/sexual orientation group though the lens of institutionalized discrimination.
· Describe the types of discrimination and why it is “institutionalized,” and pose a reason for its existence.
Sample Solution
Institutional discrimination refers to inequitable behavior that is carried out systematically within an organization or institution. This type of discrimination can often be seen in the way certain racial, ethnic, and gender groups are treated by those in positions of power. For example, it has been widely documented that African Americans experience significantly more negative interactions with police which often results in brutality or unjustified use of force (Garza & Hughes 2019). This kind of bias reflects long-standing issues of racism within law enforcement as well as wider society where people with lighter skin tones are privileged over others due to racist ideologies and stereotypes.
It is important to note also how institutionalized inequalities along gender/sexual orientation lines manifest themselves through various forms of prejudice such as unequal pay gaps between men and women, limited job opportunities for LGBTQ individuals ,and active promotion against members from these communities. Such disparities have historically been embedded in our social systems which allow them to persist even when laws have changed (Thomas et al., 2020).
The reason why institutional discrimination continues to exist today lies ultimately in a system designed for the benefit of one group at the expense another. Those in power attempt maintain their status quo through maintaining power structures that favor their elite class while disadvantaging everyone else (Kearney 2016). Consequently this creates a cycle of oppression among marginalized populations whereby they are more likely suffer from poverty due lack employment opportunities or access basic resources needed lead successful lives.
Overall, it is clear there needs to be greater understanding around the ways different social variables interact create new layers inequality across society. As long these issues remain unchecked then those most vulnerable will remain susceptible further instances discrimination based on race, ethnicity ,or gender.
