Editing Institutionalized racial segregation (section)

===== Definition ===== 

Institutionalized racial segregation refers to the system in which laws, policies, and practices are put in place by the government or other institutions to enforce a separation between different racial or ethnic groups within a society.

In history, institutionalized racial segregation has taken various forms, such as Jim Crow laws in the United States, apartheid in South Africa, and the Indian caste system. These systems were designed to maintain racial or ethnic hierarchies, with one group being given superior rights and privileges while others were discriminated against and marginalized.

In such societies, segregation was not just a result of individual prejudices or biases but was legally enforced and supported by the state. This meant that racial or ethnic groups were forced to live separately, attend separate schools, use separate public facilities, and have limited access to resources and opportunities. It created a deeply unequal society and perpetuated systemic racism.

Institutionalized racial segregation has had long-lasting impacts, as it prevented social and economic progress for marginalized groups and perpetuated stereotypes and discrimination. It took many years and significant social and political movements to challenge and dismantle these systems of segregation.

Although many countries have officially abolished racial segregation, its legacy continues to affect societies today, as systemic racism can still be observed in various forms.