This review of empirical research indicates that racism adversely affects health in a non-dominant racial population. Institutional racism results in policies and procedures that reduce access to housing, neighborhood and educational quality, employment opportunities and other societal resources. Cultural racism harms economic status and health through the creation of a hostile policy environment, initiating negative stereotypes and discrimination that foster damaging psychological responses. Experiences of racial discrimination are also an important psychosocial stressor that leads to adverse changes in health status and alters behavior to increase health risks.
