Which type of oppression refers to hierarchical practices discriminating against certain groups within institutions?

Which type of oppression refers to hierarchical practices discriminating against certain groups within institutions?

• A. Individualized
• B. Cultural
• C. Systemic or institutional
• D. External

Answer: (C)

Systemic or institutional oppression is oppression built into the policies, rules, and routines of organizations, so that hierarchical decision-making and practices produce unequal outcomes for marginalized groups. Even when individuals within the institution don’t intend harm, the way the system is designed—who gets resources, who faces discipline, who has opportunities for advancement—creates persistent discrimination. In education, this shows up as funding formulas, disciplinary practices, or access to advanced coursework that systematically disadvantage certain groups. This differs from individualized oppression, which involves personal acts of prejudice by individuals, and from cultural oppression, which centers on the dominance of one culture’s norms within a society. External oppression would come from forces outside the institution rather than from its own structures.

Systemic or institutional oppression is oppression built into the policies, rules, and routines of organizations, so that hierarchical decision-making and practices produce unequal outcomes for marginalized groups. Even when individuals within the institution don’t intend harm, the way the system is designed—who gets resources, who faces discipline, who has opportunities for advancement—creates persistent discrimination. In education, this shows up as funding formulas, disciplinary practices, or access to advanced coursework that systematically disadvantage certain groups. This differs from individualized oppression, which involves personal acts of prejudice by individuals, and from cultural oppression, which centers on the dominance of one culture’s norms within a society. External oppression would come from forces outside the institution rather than from its own structures.