Discrimination in the workplace
Discrimination refers to the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics such as, for example, race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. It occurs when people are treated less favorably or denied opportunities and rights because of these characteristics, rather than their abilities.
Types of workplace discrimination include
- Racial or ethnic discrimination: treating someone unfairly because of their race, ethnicity or national origin.
- Gender discrimination: unequal treatment based on gender, including sexism or prejudice against individuals because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
- Age discrimination: treating someone unfairly because of their age, either toward older or younger persons, often in the workplace.
- Disability discrimination: unfair treatment of persons with physical or mental disabilities, including denial of accommodations or opportunities.
- Religious discrimination: treating someone unfairly because of their religious beliefs or practices.
- Sexual orientation discrimination: unequal treatment based on a person’s sexual orientation or identity.
Workplace discrimination can occur in a variety of settings, including the workplace, educational institutions, housing or public services, and often leads to harmful effects, such as reduced opportunities, emotional distress and inequality.
