White privilege

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White and colored water fountain then and now - crop

Boston Protester White Privilege

Population registration certificate South Africa 1988

US gender pay gap, by sex, race-ethnicity-2009

White privilege is a term for societal privileges that benefit people identified as white in some countries, beyond what is commonly experienced by non-white people under the same social, political, or economic circumstances. These privileges can manifest in various ways, including greater access to resources, opportunities, and social advantages.

History

The concept of white privilege has its roots in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, but it gained more widespread attention in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The term was popularized by scholars such as Peggy McIntosh, who wrote the seminal essay "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" in 1989.

Manifestations

White privilege can be seen in various aspects of life, including:

• Education: White students often have access to better-funded schools, more experienced teachers, and more advanced educational resources compared to students of color.
• Employment: White individuals may have an easier time securing jobs, promotions, and higher salaries due to implicit biases and discriminatory hiring practices.
• Criminal Justice: White people are less likely to be stopped, searched, arrested, or convicted compared to people of color, even when committing similar offenses.
• Healthcare: White patients often receive better medical care and have better health outcomes compared to non-white patients.

Criticism and Controversy

The concept of white privilege is not without its critics. Some argue that it oversimplifies complex social dynamics and ignores the experiences of economically disadvantaged white people. Others believe that focusing on white privilege can create division and resentment.

Related Concepts

White privilege is closely related to other concepts such as systemic racism, institutional racism, and racial inequality. It is also a key topic in discussions about social justice and equity.

See Also

• Systemic racism
• Institutional racism
• Racial inequality
• Civil Rights Movement
• Social justice
• Equity