structural barrier
[/strʌkˈtʃərəl ˈbæriər/]
nounpl: structural barriers
barreira estrutural
1. A systemic or institutional obstacle that prevents progress, access, or equality, often embedded in the design of organizations, policies, or social systems
Structural barriers in education prevent many students from disadvantaged backgrounds from attending university.
Barreiras estruturais na educação impedem que muitos estudantes de origens desfavorecidas frequentem a universidade.
2. Physical, legal, or organizational constraints that are built into systems rather than resulting from individual actions
The company faced structural barriers to growth due to outdated infrastructure.
A empresa enfrentou barreiras estruturais ao crescimento devido à infraestrutura desatualizada.
3. Systemic impediments related to discrimination, inequality, or institutional practices that affect specific groups
Structural barriers based on race and gender continue to affect workplace advancement.
Barreiras estruturais baseadas em raça e gênero continuam afetando o avanço na carreira.
The term 'structural barrier' is increasingly prominent in both American and Brazilian discourse, particularly in discussions about racial justice, gender equality, and social mobility. In the US, it gained prominence during movements addressing systemic racism. In Brazil, it's used to discuss inequality in education, employment, and access to services. The phrase emphasizes that obstacles are embedded in systems rather than merely individual prejudices, making it central to contemporary social policy debates in both countries.
Related Idioms & Phrases
break down structural barriers
overcome structural barriers
systemic barriers to entry
remove structural impediments
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →