What refers to the inherent advantages given to individuals based solely on their white skin color?

Study for the UCF SYG2000 Sociology Exam 2. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that refers to the inherent advantages afforded to individuals based solely on their white skin color is white privilege. This concept highlights the set of systemic benefits and unearned advantages that white individuals experience in various aspects of life, such as education, employment, and interactions with law enforcement, which are often not available to individuals from marginalized racial and ethnic groups.

White privilege operates within a societal framework of historical and structural inequalities. It emphasizes that these advantages are not typically acknowledged or recognized by those who benefit from them, leading to disparities in the treatment and experiences of people from different racial backgrounds.

In contrast, social capital pertains to the networks and relationships that individuals can leverage for personal or professional gain, but it is not inherently tied to race. Affirmative action refers to policies designed to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups, which is a response to inequality rather than an inherent advantage. Injustice, while relevant to the larger discussion of systemic inequality, does not specifically describe the benefits associated with being white.

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