Final answer:
Racism and discrimination create barriers to employment for people of color through biased hiring practices, unequal access to education, and systemic issues like housing segregation. These barriers, as outlined by economist William A. Darity Jr., are often covert and embedded within societal structures. option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Structural ways that racism and discrimination serve as barriers to employment opportunities for people of color include biased hiring processes, unequal access to education, housing segregation resulting in educational inequality, and the legacy of past discrimination which affects economic mobility and job attainment. Studies show that individuals with darker skin can face more discrimination, also known as colorism, impacting employment opportunities. These structural barriers are complicated and stem from societal issues rather than solely on individual actions.
Moreover, employment discrimination persists beyond overt acts by employers. Economist William A. Darity Jr. indicates that factors like 'prejudiced customer' theories and market competition have not sufficiently addressed or eliminated discriminatory employment practices. In many cases, discriminatory systems are embedded in wider societal structures which sustain inequality even after legal protections are in place.