Final answer:
Historically, the U.S. utilized binary racial stratification, categorizing individuals as 'black' or 'white,' enforced by Jim Crow laws and manifested in institutions like the segregated military. Blood quantum rules and a racial caste system underscored systemic racism. Only towards the mid-20th century did formal dismantling of this stratification begin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Historical Binary Racial Stratification in the U.S.
The concept of binary racial stratification in the United States historically refers to a rigid division of society into two categories, predominantly 'black' and 'white.' This system of classification has its roots in the nation's extended history of slavery and has been legally and socially enforced through a variety of means. For instance, Jim Crow laws were established in the post-Civil War era to enforce racial segregation and uphold the notion of white supremacy.
Reflecting on the military's segregation, which lasted until 1948, it can be observed how the broader societal norms influenced institutional policies. Blood quantum rules, for example, were employed to categorize individuals and maintain segregation within various institutions, including the determination of membership in American Indian tribes..