Racism is a “system of advantages or a system of power” based on the creation of categories and their hierarchisation: People who belong to the majority in a society benefit from privileges solely because they belong to the dominant group.

When racism becomes visible as a system of privilege, it does not necessarily mean that its creator is acting intentionally or even consciously. The history of the composition of privileged and disadvantaged groups goes back to the time of slavery and continues today.

Racism manifests itself at different levels and in different forms:
Structural racism : Located at all levels of society. It manifests itself in the reproduction of inequalities between different groups of people.
Institutional racism : Refers to the practices of an institution. These are based on (explicit or implicit) rules that result in one group of people being disadvantaged or excluded compared to another.
Ideological racism: Based on a way of thinking in which people are divided into ostensibly natural groups – so-called “races”. The categorisation of the group is based on their external appearance, their membership of an ethnic group, a nation or religion, or some other criterion. A hierarchy is then created between the groups.

Racial discrimination is a manifestation of racism. It is unequal treatment based on race, skin colour, origin, ethnicity or religion. It manifests itself in an action or an omission.

The process that leads to racial discrimination begins with categorisation. In order to process and classify the information from our environment, we create mental categories. Subsequently, these categories are associated with stereotypes. Stereotypes are commonly held ideas about the characteristics of members of a social group. Prejudices arise from stereotypes, but are emotionally charged. This emotion triggers a reaction that can lead to discriminatory actions. However, due to the existing power relations, not all stereotypes, prejudices or discriminatory actions have the same effects. These depend on the position in society of the group or person against whom they are directed.

Unlike the European Union, Switzerland does not have a comprehensive anti-discrimination law. However, there are provisions in constitutional law, criminal law and private law that can be used to defend against certain forms of discrimination.

Regardless of legal proceedings, it is helpful to know the substantive and formal law when resolving conflicts. This knowledge can be used to inform and as a dialogue tool, but also as a means of reprimand or warning.