Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on their perceived characteristics or differences, often resulting in negative effects or limitations on their rights and opportunities. It is the act of making unfair distinctions or differentiating between people based on attributes such as race, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other inherent or acquired feature. This bias or prejudice can occur in various social contexts, including employment, housing, education, healthcare, public services, or interactions in daily life.
Discrimination can manifest in different forms, such as direct or overt discrimination, where individuals are treated less favorably due to their specific attributes, or indirect or systemic discrimination, where policies, practices, or rules disproportionately affect certain groups, even if unintended. Discrimination can have severe consequences, leading to stigmatization, exclusion, or marginalization of individuals or communities, hindering their personal and professional development.
Efforts to combat discrimination have been made through legal means, advocacy, and education to raise awareness, promote equality, and protect the rights of those who face discrimination. Civil rights movements, anti-discrimination laws, and affirmative action policies are among the initiatives aimed at addressing discrimination. The goal is to ensure a just and inclusive society, where everyone is treated fairly and where no one is subjected to unjust biases or limitations based on their inherent or acquired characteristics.
