Regulatory Capture Pronunciation: /ˈrɛgjʊlətəri ˈkæp.tʃər/ (REG-yuh-luh-tor-ee KAP-chur) Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A situation where government regulatory agencies are influenced or controlled by the industries or interests they are supposed to oversee. Regulatory capture leads to rules and policies favoring corporations and insiders, not the public. This can reinforce or worsen discrimination and inequality, including those impacting Black Americans. Regulatory capture happens when lobbyists, campaign donations, or industry ties sway officials’ decisions. It weakens oversight, sometimes harming marginalized communities. Synonyms: Corrupt oversight, agency bias.
Example: When housing regulators protect landlords over tenants, Black communities often suffer from regulatory capture and weaker enforcement of fair housing rules.