Which type of discrimination can be disguised as social norms?

The correct choice highlights systemic discrimination as a type of discrimination that can be masked by social norms. Systemic discrimination occurs when policies, practices, or laws within a society or institution reinforce inequality, often unconsciously supported by the broader cultural context and prevailing social norms. This can lead to situations where discriminatory practices are accepted as "normal" or "just how things are," making them less visible and harder to challenge.

For instance, certain hiring practices that favor individuals from particular backgrounds while unintentionally disadvantaging others may take root within an organization’s culture, becoming normalized over time. These norms can perpetuate inequality without explicit intent or awareness of discrimination.

In contrast, overt discrimination involves clear and intentional actions or policies that discriminate against a group. Subtle discrimination often refers to more covert or nuanced forms of bias that might not be immediately recognized or acknowledged. Adaptive discrimination generally refers to behaviors that change based on the social context but do not inherently align with systemic structures of inequality. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in sociology to analyze how different forms of discrimination manifest in society.