What is the definition of discrimination?
Discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, age, gender, nationality, disability, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics. Types of discrimination include:
Types of discrimination include:
Direct discrimination
When a person is treated unfavourably due to a protected characteristic such as refusing to hire someone based on their gender.
Indirect discrimination
When a rule, policy or practice that applies to everyone disproportionately negatively affects individuals with a protected characteristic. An example of this is requiring employees to work later hours and this may have a disproportionately negative impact on those with caring responsibilities.
Harassment
Workplace harassment refers to any unwanted or unwelcome behaviour that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive working environment. These actions can be verbal, physical, or visual and can include derogatory comments, insults, jokes, gestures, or physical contact.
Retaliation
Retaliation is a form of harassment that occurs when an employee is punished or treated negatively for reporting harassment in the workplace. This can create a culture of silence and prevent victims from coming forward. It is important for DEI teams to create a culture in which employees feel comfortable reporting harassment without fear of retaliation.
What is the most common type of discrimination?
The most common type of discrimination can vary depending on location, context and culture. However, typically gender and racial discrimination are among the most frequently reported and discussed types of discrimination across the world.
Racial discrimination
Racial discrimination is the differential treatment of people based on their race. It can take many forms like stereotypes, unequal opportunities and even systemic racism.
Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination is the unequal treatment of a person based on their gender identity. This includes paying men and women differently for the same work, stereotypes, workplace harassment and limiting access to resources based on gender. This type of discrimination affects people of all gender identities, not just women.
What policy prevents discrimination?
Discrimination of all kinds is unethical and illegal in many countries. Laws have been created to protect people from discrimination in employment, housing, education and public services.
For example, the Equal Status Act 2000-2018 prevents discrimination in the provision of goods and services, accommodation and education. There are nine grounds for discrimination covered by these acts which are gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion, and membership of the Traveller community.
These laws promote equality and ensure that everyone is treated fairly. Efforts to eradicate discrimination include awareness campaigns, anti-discrimination policies and laws, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. Some examples of laws include
Conclusion
Discrimination is the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics like race, age, gender, nationality, disability, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics. Types of discrimination include direct, indirect, harassment and retaliation. The most common type of discrimination can vary depending on location, context and culture. Laws have been created to protect people from discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, education and public services. These laws promote equality and ensure that everyone is treated fairly.
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