and governmental institutions, assumptions are made about what people can do that reflect the sexism and racism of the larger society. For instance, many people assume that women cannot make tough decisions---even those in the top echelons of corporate management (This process of stigmatization is discussed more fully in the policy 17. others assume that all Black students at elite colleges represent affirmative action admissions. Inequality based on gender, economic status, race, and ethnicity thrives insuch environ which we might add discrimination based on ment age, physical disability, and sexual orientation. The truth of this assertion can be seen in routine decisions to advertise jobs and provide or withhold fringe benefits like child care and parental leave.
To describe the interlocking models of oppression that are built into most institutions, feminist sociologist Patricia Hill Collins (1971) coined the phrase matrix of domination. Unless activists and policymakers intervene to restructure decision making in these institutions, those in less advantaged groups will remain at the bottom
Interactionist View
Social institutions affect our everyday behavior, whether we are driving down the street or waiting in a long shop