Final answer:
White privilege refers to the systemic advantages White people receive by virtue of their race, which are often taken for granted. It includes everyday conveniences, systemic benefits, and greater representation, but is not necessarily linked to overtly racist ideologies or actions, as it is rooted in societal structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
White privilege is the conceptualization of certain unearned advantages that White people may experience at the expense of others. An important work on the concept is Peggy McIntosh's "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack," where she lists everyday examples of this privilege, such as not having to constantly consider one's race, being represented in various spaces, and not having to speak on behalf of one's entire racial group.
Institutional discrimination promotes the status of White people as part of white privilege, despite many being unwilling to acknowledge the benefits they receive due to their race. This is rooted in societal structures rather than individual behaviors, meaning that white privilege exists independent of a person's personal prejudice or actions.
Examples of White Privilege
Assumption of neutrality – Being seen as individuals rather than as representatives of a racial group.
Systemic advantage – Having easier access to better schools, jobs, and social networks simply due to race.
Legal and political power – Being more likely to receive positive outcomes in legal situations and having greater representation in political systems.
Furthermore, white supremacy is a related but distinct concept where White people are seen as the superior race. White privilege can be a manifestation of white supremacy where the societal benefits for White people are normalized.