Which historical system has left behind significant racial differences in earnings?

The historical system that has left behind significant racial differences in earnings is apartheid. Apartheid was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that was implemented in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s. Under this system, the rights of the majority black inhabitants of South Africa were severely restricted, affecting their ability to earn a living, access quality education, and participate fully in the economy.

The legacy of apartheid has had long-lasting effects, including substantial disparities in income, wealth, and employment opportunities between racial groups. These systemic inequalities continue to influence the economic landscape of South Africa today, as many individuals from historically oppressed groups face barriers in accessing jobs and advancing in their careers due to the historical disadvantages they experienced.

Other systems, such as feudalism, capitalism, and communism, have their own complexities regarding economic disparities, but none directly instituted racial segregation as the defining feature of their economic system to the same extent as apartheid did.