What does the term Apartheid refer to?

The term Apartheid specifically refers to a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that was enforced by law in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s. Under Apartheid, the rights of the majority black inhabitants of South Africa were greatly restricted, and various laws segregated the population based on race in all aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and public services. This legal framework was designed to maintain white domination in the country and reflected deeply entrenched racial prejudices.

Understanding this definition is key to grasping the historical context and impact of Apartheid, including the resistance movements that arose against it, and the eventual transition to a multiracial democracy. The other choices, while relevant to social and economic issues, do not capture the specific meaning and historical significance of Apartheid as a legally enforced system of racial segregation.