What is a key characteristic of structural racism as it relates to systems of power?

A key characteristic of structural racism is that it is built into the systems and institutions that shape our society, like education, healthcare, and the legal system. This means that these systems often favor certain racial groups while disadvantaging others, even if individuals within those systems do not intend to be racist. For example, if a school funding system gives more money to schools in wealthy areas, which are often predominantly white, it can lead to poorer education for schools in less wealthy, more diverse areas. This creates a cycle where people from disadvantaged backgrounds have fewer opportunities to succeed. Therefore, structural racism is not just about individual actions but about how power and resources are distributed in society.