What term describes the belief that one race is superior to another?

The term that accurately describes the belief that one race is superior to another is racism. This concept encompasses not just the belief itself, but also the attitudes, institutions, and practices that lead to discrimination and prejudice based on racial differences. Racism manifests in various societal structures, influencing relationships, policies, and interactions between different racial groups, often to the detriment of those considered inferior.

Discrimination refers to the actions or behaviors that harm or disadvantage individuals based on their race, but it does not specifically encompass the underlying belief of superiority. Prejudice involves preconceived opinions or judgments about individuals based on their racial background, contributing to racism, but it does not fully capture the systemic belief in racial superiority. Segregation pertains to the physical separation of groups, often based on race, and is a result of racist ideologies, rather than the belief itself.

Understanding racism as the belief in racial superiority helps to highlight its pervasive impact on social dynamics and the importance of addressing these beliefs to foster equality and social justice.