What does institutional discrimination refer to?

Institutional discrimination refers to a systematic form of discrimination embedded in the policies, practices, and procedures of institutions, which results in unequal treatment of individuals based on their group membership, such as race, gender, or socioeconomic status. This concept highlights how societal structures can perpetuate inequality and disadvantage certain groups, often beyond the direct intentions of individuals within those institutions.

The correct answer emphasizes that institutional discrimination is not just about individual actions but rather about the broader patterns and practices that create and sustain inequalities within various domains, including workplaces, educational systems, and the legal system. This understanding is fundamental in sociology as it illustrates how discrimination can be embedded in the very fabric of society, impacting people's lives in significant ways.

The other choices, while touching on aspects of discrimination or inequality, do not accurately capture the essence of institutional discrimination. For instance, individual biases focus on personal interactions rather than systemic issues. Social inequality across various cultures addresses broader sociocultural dynamics but does not pinpoint the mechanisms of discrimination within institutions. Discriminatory laws point specifically to legal frameworks but do not encompass all institutional practices that can lead to discrimination beyond legal contexts.