Institutional Racism in Canada

Study Notes

Institutional Racism in Canada

Institutional racism refers to systemic policies and practices disadvantaging racialized groups, operating through normalized, often invisible mechanisms within institutions.
Over-policing of Black and Indigenous communities in Canada exemplifies entrenched practices.
Colonialism laid the groundwork for institutional racism in Canada through policies like the Indian Act and residential schools.
These policies aimed to erase Indigenous cultures and displace communities.
Indigenous people face systemic barriers in education, healthcare, and housing.
Black Canadians face the legacy of slavery in continued economic marginalization and criminalization.

Manifestations of Institutional Racism

Education: Schools in predominantly racialized neighborhoods often receive less funding, leading to poorer resources and student outcomes.
Healthcare: Studies show Indigenous patients receive substandard care due to racial biases.
Justice System: Black and Indigenous peoples are significantly overrepresented in Canadian prisons, despite being a small percentage of the population.

Sociological Perspectives

Critical Race Theory (CRT): Argues that systemic racism is embedded in societal structures and legal systems, challenging the myth of neutrality.
Symbolic Interactionism: Highlights how everyday interactions, like stereotyping by teachers or doctors, reinforce systemic biases, creating a cycle of marginalization.

Consequences and Solutions

Institutional racism perpetuates cycles of poverty, poor health, and limited opportunities.
Addressing this requires systemic change, such as equity-focused policies and anti-racist education.
By recognizing and dismantling these ingrained structures, Canada can move toward a more just society.

Description

Explore the concepts surrounding institutional racism in Canada, focusing on its impact on Black and Indigenous communities. This quiz examines historical policies, systemic barriers in education and healthcare, and the persistent effects of colonialism. Test your knowledge on how these issues manifest in various institutions.