What is the term used to describe the racial hierarchy established in colonial societies?

The term "Casta System" refers to the racial hierarchy that was established in colonial societies, particularly in Spanish and Portuguese America. This system classified individuals based on their racial background, including a range of categories such as mestizos (people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry), mulattos (people of mixed European and African ancestry), and others. The casta system was crucial in determining social status, legal rights, and economic opportunities, creating a structured social order that valued pure European ancestry over mixed or Indigenous backgrounds.

The casta system was significant in shaping the social dynamics of colonial Latin America, influencing everything from marriage practices to occupation types. This hierarchical classification had profound effects on society and culture, leading to discrimination based on race and heritage that persisted long after the colonial period.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the colonial racial hierarchy. The "Creole System" refers more specifically to Europeans born in the colonies rather than the broader racial classifications. "Intersectionality Framework" pertains to a theoretical approach in social justice and activism that examines how different social categories overlap, which is distinct from the historical context of colonial racial categorizations. "Cultural Hierarchy" does not specifically focus on racial distinctions but rather suggests a broader ranking of cultures