Introduction

The evolution of racism and discrimination is a complex phenomenon that has spanned centuries of history. The distinction between biological racism, racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination, and social exclusion is fundamental to understanding contemporary social dynamics. In this essay, we will explore how these forms of discrimination have developed over time and how they intersect with social, cultural, and economic structures.

Biological Racism: Origins and Development

Biological racism is a form of discrimination based on the erroneous assumption that some human races are superior to others due to genetic or biological differences. This ideology has deep roots in human history and continues to influence contemporary social dynamics, fueling social exclusion, ethnic, and religious discrimination. In this essay, we will explore the origins of biological racism, its social and evolutionary implications, and how these ideologies are persistent in modern societies.

Origins of Biological Racism

Theories of biological racism emerged in the 19th century, strongly influenced by Darwinian evolutionism. Some scientists and philosophers used the discoveries of natural selection to justify the idea that human populations possessed innate biological traits that determined their social value. This reductionist approach tended to ignore the socio-cultural context, favoring a determinist view of human biology.

One of the key figures in this debate was the naturalist Charles Darwin, whose theory of evolution did not necessarily foresee hierarchies between different human populations. However, his ideas were distorted and exploited by other thinkers, such as Herbert Spencer, who coined the term "survival of the fittest". These interpretations contributed to the development of pseudosciences such as eugenics, which sought to improve the human race through artificial selection.

This ideology found practical application in colonial policies, justifying the oppression of peoples considered "inferior". The doctrine of racial superiority helped legitimize slavery, genocide, and racial segregation policies, highlighting the intersection of science and social prejudice.

Racial, Ethnic, and Religious Discrimination

Over time, biological racism has evolved into more subtle forms of discrimination that are no longer limited to biological distinctions, but also encompass cultural and religious dimensions. Racial and ethnic discrimination became a palpable reality in the 20th century, particularly visible in housing, employment, and educational practices. Jim Crow laws in the United States are a prime example of how social norms and laws can perpetuate injustice at an institutional level.

In recent decades, studies on discrimination have shown that ethnicity and religion can significantly influence individuals' socioeconomic opportunities. Discrimination manifests itself in many forms, from inequalities in the labor market to disparities in access to education and health services. Furthermore, the growing cultural diversity in modern societies has led to tensions between ethnic and religious groups, fueling conflicts and divisions.

Social Exclusion: A Global Phenomenon

Social exclusion represents a further stage in this evolution. It is not only about race or ethnicity, but extends to socio-economic factors, such as poverty, disability and migration status. Social exclusion implies a deprivation of rights and opportunities, leading to a systematic marginalization of certain categories of individuals. This phenomenon is particularly evident in urban contexts, where the most vulnerable communities often live in situations of impoverishment and isolation.

Public policies have attempted to address social exclusion, but frequently without an integrated approach that considers the multiple dimensions of people's identities. The lack of access to fundamental resources such as education, employment and social services contributes to perpetuating the cycle of exclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified these inequalities, affecting already disadvantaged communities more.

Intersectionality and Structural Racism

In recent years, the concept of intersectionality has gained academic and political attention, highlighting how different forms of oppression overlap and influence each other. Racism cannot be considered solely as a racial phenomenon; it is intimately linked to gender, social class, age and other factors. This multidimensional approach allows us to better understand how experiences of discrimination vary from individual to individual. Structural racism, on the other hand, refers to forms of discrimination that are embedded in social and institutional structures. This type of racism is not confined to individual acts of discrimination, but rather to a system of norms and practices that perpetuate inequities. Studies on structural racism highlight that even neutral policies can have discriminatory effects, especially when they do not take existing disparities into account. 

Conclusions

 The evolution from biological racism to racial, ethnic and religious discrimination, up to social exclusion, represents a complex and constantly changing path. Today, the challenges of discrimination require a deep understanding of historical and social dynamics, as well as a collective commitment to promoting inclusive and just policies. Only through an integrated approach, which recognizes the intersectionality of human experiences, will it be possible to effectively address the roots of racism and discrimination in contemporary society.