What is discrimination?

Discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of a person or group based on certain characteristics. These characteristics can be:

• Race
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Age
• Disability
• Socioeconomic background

What are the main features of discrimination?

• Unequal Treatment: People are treated differently based on their group affiliation, not their individual merits.
• Power Imbalance: The discrimination usually comes from a group with more power towards a group with less power.
• Negative Impact: Discrimination leads to disadvantages and limitations for the targeted group.

Why is it important to understand discrimination?

Discrimination is important because it can have a significant negative impact on individuals and society as a whole. It creates unfairness, limits opportunities, and hinders social progress.

In which situations can discrimination occur?

Discrimination can happen in many ways, here are some examples:

• Hiring practices: A company might favor applicants from a certain background during the hiring process.
• Housing: A landlord might refuse to rent to someone based on their race.
• Law enforcement: Police might be more likely to stop and question people of color.
• Education: Students from disadvantaged backgrounds might face unequal opportunities within the education system.

Practical example

A company with a strong anti-discrimination policy actively recruits from diverse backgrounds and ensures fair treatment for all employees during promotions and job opportunities.

Critical comments

Critical comments on discrimination highlight the negative aspects and potential biases. They can focus on:

• The lasting impact of discrimination on individuals and communities.
• The flaws in systems and policies that perpetuate discrimination.
• The need for stronger legal protections and social change to address discrimination.