Structural Racism
Also known as: Systemic racism, institutional racism
Structural racism refers to the cumulative and compounding effects of factors that systematically privilege white people and disadvantage people of color, embedded in historical legacies and contemporary policies, institutional practices, and social norms.
In health, structural racism operates through residential segregation limiting healthcare access, underfunded schools affecting health literacy, discriminatory lending reducing wealth that buffers health shocks, and within healthcare itself through implicit bias, discriminatory insurance practices, and concentration of quality care outside Black communities.
The American Medical Association, American Public Health Association, and CDC have each officially recognized racism as a public health crisis.
Medical Disclaimer
This glossary entry is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition.