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Dismantling Racism Resource Book

Terms and Definitions

DEFINED NORM

Definition: a standard of being or behavior which is backed up with institutional and economic power
as well as institutional and individual violence. For example, in the United States there exists a
defined norm which takes its form as the white, heterosexual male, of the middle or upper classes,
temporarily able-bodied, and of a Christian (usually Protestant) background.
Example: Heterosexuality is a defined norm. Those Example: Whiteness is a defined norm.
who do not fit into this norm are denied civil rights Those who are not white face greater
such as fair employment and housing and the challenges than those who are. Most of the
economic benefits of marriage. Bisexual, lesbian, “standard” examples given of people our
and gay people suffer a high rate of hate crimes society portray this “standard” as
against them. overwhelmingly white.

INSTITUTIONAL POWER

Definition: majority status at the upper levels of the major institutions that comprise a society.
Example: In the US white men (presumably Example: Most sports teams are owned
heterosexual) hold the majority of top positions in by white men, even when the majority of
federal and state governments, financial institutions, the players are not white. This includes
the legal system, military, etc. A quick look at the holding entire cities economically hostage
history of the presidency reveals who holds the for new stadiums and arenas.
greatest institutional power in this society.

ECONOMIC POWER
Definition: the control of economic resources through laws and policies that reinforce the status
quo.
Example: Recent prohibitions of new Native Example: Redlining - lines are drawn which
American owned and run gambling casinos by divide neighborhoods by race and class with the
state and federal government after the first result that insurance and mortgage rates are
casinos showed themselves to be quite highest in neighborhoods in which people have
profitable. the least economic resources.

MYTH OF SCARCITY

Definition: the idea that resources are limited in such a way that those not in power are to blame
for economic problems.
Example: Targeting of immigrants from Example: The threat of cutting social security with
Mexico as the cause of the decline of the the promise of lowering taxes. By many people’s
middle class in CA, despite the fact that standards, this is unethical. It also is based on a
the cheap labor performed by immigrants myth of scarcity. The wealthiest people receive the
is essential to the economy of the state highest tax breaks, but some members of congress
and that tax laws have increasingly prefer to blame the elderly and disabled for the high
favored the wealthy at the expense of the tax rates of middle income Americans.
middle class.

Dismantling Racism Project 33 Western States Center