What Structural Racism Is (or Is Not) and How to Measure It: Clarity for Public Health and Medical Researchers

Interest in studying structural racism's impacts on health has grown exponentially in recent years. Across these studies, there is much heterogeneity in the definition and measurement of structural racism, leading to mixed interpretations of structural racism's impact on health. A precise definition of structural racism can offer conceptual clarity to inform what mechanisms to investigate and is imperative for conducting high-quality research on it and dismantling it. In this commentary, we trace the evolution of the definitions of structural racism and suggest ways in which the measurement of structural racism should move forward given these definitions.

Automated summary

Interest in studying the impacts of structural racism on health has grown rapidly in recent years. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the definition and measurement of structural racism, which leads to differing interpretations of its impact. Developing a precise definition is vital for conducting further research and dismantling structural racism.