Final answer:
Institutional discrimination refers to the systemic denial of rights and opportunities to certain groups due to societal norms and structures that are embedded in laws, policies, and cultural attitudes. This form of discrimination benefits some while disadvantaging others, and overcoming it requires both policy reform and changes in social consciousness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the denial of opportunities and equal rights to individuals or groups as a result of the normal operations of a society is institutional discrimination. Institutional discrimination occurs when the laws, policies, and procedures of a society are structured in such a way that they systematically disadvantage certain groups. Historical examples include the Jim Crow laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States, and denying women and same-sex couples the right to vote and marry, respectively. This systemic oppression can also manifest as embedded inequalities within a society's cultural norms, benefitting some individuals while disadvantaging others, based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States is an example of how groups that suffered from these oppressive structures came together to challenge and ultimately change them. In the modern context, addressing institutional discrimination requires not just legal reforms but also a shift in cultural attitudes and norms to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for welfare. It is a matter of both public policy and social consciousness, where activism and changes in public opinion play a critical role in overcoming deeply ingrained societal biases. Discrimination isn't just an issue of outright denial of rights; it also encompasses subtler forms, such as the privileges afforded to the majority group. For example, white privilege refers to the advantages that people receive simply by being part of the dominant racial group in a society. Awareness and recognition of such systemic advantages are necessary steps towards achieving genuine equality of opportunity for all members of society.