Discrimination

Definition

Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion. It manifests in various forms, impacting opportunities, rights, and access to resources for marginalized groups. This harmful practice not only perpetuates inequality but also reinforces societal divisions and stereotypes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Discrimination can be overt or covert, with overt discrimination being obvious and easily identifiable, while covert discrimination may be subtle and harder to recognize.
2. Laws like the Civil Rights Act in the U.S. were established to combat discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
3. Discrimination can have severe psychological effects on individuals, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness among those targeted.
4. Institutional discrimination occurs when policies or practices within organizations result in unequal treatment of certain groups, even if there is no intent to discriminate.
5. Intersectionality is an important concept in understanding discrimination as it recognizes that individuals can face multiple forms of discrimination simultaneously based on overlapping identities.

Review Questions

• How does discrimination impact social stratification and contribute to systemic inequality?
  • Discrimination plays a significant role in social stratification by systematically disadvantaging certain groups based on characteristics like race or gender. This unfair treatment results in unequal access to resources such as education and employment opportunities. As marginalized groups face barriers due to discrimination, they remain lower on the social ladder, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting upward mobility, thereby reinforcing systemic inequality.
• In what ways do gender and sexual minorities experience unique forms of discrimination compared to other groups?
  • Gender and sexual minorities often face distinct types of discrimination that are not only based on their sexual orientation but also intersect with issues like gender identity and expression. This can manifest through workplace bias, healthcare disparities, and violence targeted at LGBTQ+ individuals. The stigma surrounding non-normative sexual orientations and gender identities can lead to a lack of acceptance and support from society, making these individuals particularly vulnerable to discrimination.
• Evaluate the role of religious discrimination in shaping societal attitudes toward various religious groups throughout history.
  • Religious discrimination has significantly shaped societal attitudes and policies toward various religious groups across history. It has often led to marginalization, persecution, and conflict between different faith communities. By analyzing events such as the Spanish Inquisition or contemporary anti-Muslim sentiments, one can see how discriminatory practices based on religion create divisions within society and hinder social cohesion. Understanding these historical contexts is crucial for addressing ongoing issues related to religious intolerance and promoting greater acceptance among diverse populations.

Related terms

Prejudice: An unfavorable opinion or judgment formed beforehand or without knowledge, often leading to discrimination against individuals or groups.

Stereotype: A widely held but oversimplified belief or idea about a particular group of people, which can contribute to discriminatory behavior.

Inequality: The unequal treatment or distribution of resources, rights, and opportunities among different groups in society, often rooted in discrimination.