Final answer:
Institutional racism encompasses structural and systemic inequalities rooted in societal institutions that disproportionately disadvantage racial minority groups. This form of racism extends beyond individual acts, embedding itself in policies, laws, and practices that perpetuate racial disparities. This is intentional.
Step-by-step explanation:
Institutional racism encompasses intentional discrimination against specific racial or ethnic groups within societal structures and systems. This form of discrimination is not random or accidental; rather, it's purposeful and deliberate, embedded within the policies, practices, and structures of various institutions. Unlike individual acts of prejudice or bias, institutional racism operates systematically, perpetuating inequality and disadvantage for certain racial or ethnic communities. It often manifests in the form of biased policies, unequal access to resources, discriminatory practices in hiring or education, and disparities in healthcare. The intentional nature of institutional racism is deeply entrenched within societal structures, influencing social, economic, and political outcomes, and requiring intentional efforts and systemic changes to address and dismantle its discriminatory impacts.