Final answer:
The term that describes the belief in the inherent superiority or inferiority of one racial category over another is racism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the belief that one racial category is innately superior or inferior to another is racism. Racism encompasses a set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices that justify the perceived superiority or inferiority of one racial group over another. For instance, historical theories that attempted to link race with intelligence, such as those falsely presenting race as a determinant of IQ, have been debunked, showing that such beliefs are not rooted in biology but are rather socially constructed and used to justify discriminatory practices.
Colorism is a related concept which suggests that even within a single racial group, variations in skin tone can be perceived as indicative of superiority or inferiority.
Instances of institutional racism can be witnessed where social institutions perpetuate discrimination against certain racial groups, and where systemic inequality affects the distribution of privilege, resources, and power based on race.