Final answer:
Patterns of racial discrimination supported by laws and customs are referred to as Institutional racism, which involves discrimination embedded in societal norms and political structures, resulting in systemic inequality. It affects large groups through policies and practices within institutions that can perpetuate racial disparities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patterns of racial discrimination supported by laws and customs are called Institutional racism. This type of racism is characterized by societal norms and political structures that perpetuate discrimination. Key components include policies and practices within institutions that disproportionately disadvantage certain racial groups. This differs from individual acts of racism in that it has the power to affect large numbers of people through systemic inequality in resource distribution, power, and opportunity. Institutional racism can be exemplified by policies such as racial profiling, which contribute to a disproportionate number of arrests and convictions among individuals of a certain race.
Another aspect of institutional racism is the concept of white privilege, where members of the dominant racial group enjoy benefits solely because of their racial identity, often without recognizing the advantages they inadvertently receive. In this regard, institutionally racist systems can also foster group disparities by promoting the status of the dominant group over others.
The responsibility to rectify institutional racism falls on political institutions to provide equitable resource allocation and opportunities for success to all members of society. These institutions are tasked with addressing and correcting historical injustices and discriminatory practices that have been ingrained within the system.