Select one sociological explanation of racism and relate it to contemporary British society.

Racism “may be defined as the determination of actions, attitudes or policies by beliefs about racial characteristics.” Abercrombie et al (2000:286). It is a “…general term used by sociologists to cover all the negative attitudes and practices directed towards groups seen as racially different.” Haralambos et al (1992:105)(a).
Abercrombie et al (2000:286) recognises that racism may be “overt and individual, involving individual acts of oppression against subordinate racial groups or individuals, and [also] covert and institutional, involving structural relations of subordination and oppression between social groups.”
“Racism can be divided into three main aspects, [which are], cultural racism, racialism [and] institutional racism.” Haralombos et al (1992:105)(a).
This essay will explain the institutional racism view in relation to contemporary British society, focusing on institutions such as the housing market and the police force and briefly examining the Stephe...