Discrimination

The term discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, usually on the ground of race, age, religion, sex or disability.

 

The Equal Opportunities Act aims to prevent discrimination of individuals.

 

In the exam you may get asked to identify ways in which people can discriminate. (See image below.)This is not an exhaustive list however provides example of ways in which people can discriminate against others.

 



Discrimination is when someone is treated differently or unfairly just because of their race, culture, age, gender, sexual preference or belonging to another category. People can also experience prejudice because of their religion or nationality. Everyone can experience discrimination in their lifetime. It is illegal to treat people differently or unfairly because of their differences and nobody has the right to make others feel bad or abuse them. Discrimination takes many different forms which can include: written or verbal threats or insults, damage to property, including graffiti and personal attacks of any kind, including violence.

 

There are many reason why people discriminate. People may feel threatened by a particular 'type' of person. We develop our views and beliefs as we grow up and are influenced by those closest to us. For example: If a child or young person grows up within a family who are against gay relationships, or has friends who are homophobic they may believe that behaving inappropriately towards gay people is normal and acceptable.

Prejudice attitudes tend to evolve from ignorance and fear of things that are different. At times stereotypes are used to describe the behaviour or a certain group of people. For example: People may believe that only women spend time taking care of their appearance and a male plucking their eyebrows is acting girly.

Prejudice attitudes and stereotyping often result in discrimination and is usually from a lack of knowledge, understanding and empathy.

Joking or 'banter' may also be discriminating someone, even if the joke is not meant to be offensive. It can be hurtful to someone and their culture. It could also be offensive to people they know and care about.


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