Subject File DISCRIMINATION

Key Concepts

Stereotypes

Stereotyping means making an unfair assumption or generalisation about a person or group of people based on an aspect of their identity, for example their race, culture, religion, or gender.

Stereotypes are thus widely held but fixed, i. e. permanent, and oversimplified images or ideas of a particular type of person or thing or of a social group. 

Example: All Germans are always punctual.

Prejudice

Prejudice means to ‘pre-judge’ someone. It starts in the mind and is a negative attitude towards people based solely on a group to which they belong. It is based on an unfounded opinion.

A prejudice is thus a preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience

Bias 

Bias is a disproportionate preference or inclination for or against an idea, thing, or group. It often leads to closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair judgments because it allows personal opinions or stereotypes to override objective facts.

Bias leads to actions or behaviours which support the group/the individual which is favoured.

Discrimination

Discrimination is an action that denies a person their rights because of their cultural identity.

A common example is when a person who is otherwise qualified for a job is not employed because of their religion or race.

There are many ways that discrimination can affect a young person from a minority group. They may:

• feel that others dislike them, or are against them — this can make them feel excluded, isolated and lonely
• find it difficult to make friends, as other young people may try to exclude them from their groups
• find it difficult to find employment and support themselves financially
• find it hard to get accommodation or housing in an area that they like

Causes of Discrimination 

Courtesy: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zbghdnb#zjh7rmn

How does discrimination affect people?

How can we raise awareness about discriminatory practices?

Ex. 1: Research online on options which help to create awareness about discrimination.