Which statement best defines interpersonal racism?

Which statement best defines interpersonal racism?

• A. Occurs between individuals.
• B. Includes public expressions of racial prejudice and hate by individuals.
• C. Refers to race-based discriminatory policies and treatment produced by institutions that result in inequitable opportunities and impacts.
• D. Conscious preferences for a social category (positive or negative).

Answer: (A)

Interpersonal racism is about racism that shows up in the interactions between people. It captures how racial biases, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviors are carried out in direct contact with others, shaping how individuals treat someone based on race. That between-people aspect is what makes the statement “occurs between individuals” the best definition. The other options point to related ideas—public expressions by individuals touch on acts within interpersonal encounters but aren’t the defining feature; institutional racism involves policies and practices in organizations; and a conscious preference for a group describes prejudice, which can exist without the specific interpersonal dynamic that defines interpersonal racism.

Interpersonal racism is about racism that shows up in the interactions between people. It captures how racial biases, stereotypes, and discriminatory behaviors are carried out in direct contact with others, shaping how individuals treat someone based on race. That between-people aspect is what makes the statement “occurs between individuals” the best definition. The other options point to related ideas—public expressions by individuals touch on acts within interpersonal encounters but aren’t the defining feature; institutional racism involves policies and practices in organizations; and a conscious preference for a group describes prejudice, which can exist without the specific interpersonal dynamic that defines interpersonal racism.