Discrimination

Definition

Discrimination refers to the unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, religion, or disability. This term highlights how societal structures can perpetuate inequalities and injustices, often resulting in social conflict and violations of basic human rights. Discrimination is a key concept in understanding power dynamics within society, where certain groups are marginalized while others benefit from systemic advantages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Discrimination can manifest in various forms, including institutional, systemic, and individual discrimination, impacting people's lives differently depending on their social identities.
2. Laws and policies aimed at reducing discrimination have been established in many countries, yet discrimination still persists due to deep-rooted societal norms and biases.
3. Conflict theory emphasizes how discrimination serves the interests of dominant groups by maintaining social hierarchies and inequalities that disadvantage marginalized populations.
4. Discrimination not only affects individuals' mental and physical health but also contributes to broader societal issues such as poverty, unemployment, and social unrest.
5. International human rights frameworks aim to combat discrimination through treaties and conventions that establish legal standards for the treatment of all individuals.

Review Questions

• How does conflict theory explain the persistence of discrimination in society?
  • Conflict theory argues that discrimination is rooted in the power struggles between different social groups. It explains that dominant groups maintain their privilege and control over resources by perpetuating discriminatory practices against marginalized populations. This leads to social inequality, where the needs and rights of the disadvantaged are overlooked or actively suppressed, resulting in ongoing conflict and division within society.
• In what ways do human rights frameworks address issues of discrimination on a global scale?
  • Human rights frameworks aim to address discrimination by establishing international norms and standards that protect individuals from unfair treatment based on their identity. Treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights emphasize equality and non-discrimination as fundamental principles. These frameworks provide mechanisms for accountability and recourse for victims of discrimination, encouraging countries to adopt laws and policies that promote inclusivity and equal rights for all.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of anti-discrimination laws in reducing societal inequalities and promoting social justice.
  • While anti-discrimination laws have been instrumental in creating a legal basis for challenging discriminatory practices, their effectiveness often varies due to enforcement issues and societal attitudes. Many laws exist to protect individuals from discrimination; however, real change requires not only legal measures but also cultural shifts to combat underlying prejudices. Evaluating their effectiveness involves examining both statistical evidence of changes in disparities and the lived experiences of marginalized groups, indicating that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain.

Related terms

Prejudice: Prejudice is a preconceived opinion or judgment about an individual or group that is not based on reason or actual experience, often leading to discriminatory behavior.

Social Inequality: Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and rights among different social groups, which discrimination can exacerbate.

Human Rights: Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of their background, and discrimination violates these principles.