What does racialism mean?
Racialism is a term for the belief that racial groups possess an inherent superiority or inferiority, as well as for the prejudice, discriminatory practices, and institutional systems that follow from such beliefs. It is especially associated with British and Commonwealth English, where it often appears in historical, political, and academic discussion, although racism is more common in American English. The term can refer to individual attitudes, such as overt hostility, and to wider structures, including unequal treatment in education, employment, housing, or the media. Because racialism often denotes an ideology or system rather than only a personal insult, it is useful when discussing how racial hierarchy is maintained across institutions and generations. The word also appears in discussions of colonialism, historical representation, and contemporary discrimination.
nounThe belief that some races are superior to others, or the discriminatory practices and attitudes based on such beliefs. The term is especially associated with the historical and political context of colonial and post-colonial societies.
- The belief that some racial groups are inherently superior or inferior to others, especially as an ideology or historical doctrine.
- Practices, institutions, or attitudes that discriminate against people because of race.
"The campaign aimed to challenge racialism in public institutions and the media."
"The museum's new programme examines how racialism shaped colonial collections and exhibitions."
"Teachers reported that racialism in the school had been reduced after the incident was investigated."
Racialism names not only individual prejudice but also the larger systems that can reproduce racial hierarchy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does racialism come from?
Racialism is formed in English from the adjective racial and the suffix -ism, a combining form meaning a distinctive practice, doctrine, or system. The related words racialism, racism, and racialist developed around the same historical vocabulary for ideas and systems concerning race. Its use became especially prominent in discussions of colonial societies and racial hierarchy.
How racialism is actually used
Racialism is especially common in British, Irish, Australian, and other Commonwealth usage. In contemporary American English, racism is usually the more frequent term, while racialism can sound formal or historically focused. The word is often used for both discriminatory attitudes and the broader social or political systems that sustain them.
Easily confused with racialism
Both terms refer to racial prejudice or discrimination, but racialism is especially used in British and Commonwealth English and may also suggest a broader ideology or system of racial hierarchy.