Whiteness as Property

"Whiteness as Property" is a concept from legal scholar Cheryl Harris, which explains how societal advantages tied to being white have historically functioned like property rights. In this context, "whiteness" grants privileges—such as access to resources, social status, and legal protections—that are often inherited or maintained over generations. This idea suggests that racial privilege isn't just individual prejudice but embedded in social and legal structures, creating a form of social capital that benefits white individuals while marginalizing others. Recognizing this helps us understand racial inequalities as systemic rather than purely personal attitudes.