Discrimination

Discrimination is the process of making unfair or prejudicial distinctions between people based on the groups, classes, or categories to which they belong or are perceived to belong, such as race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. It involves treating individuals or groups differently in a way that deprives them of opportunities or privileges available to others, often leading to unfair treatment and violation of dignity.

Legally, discrimination occurs when a person is treated unfavorably or their dignity is violated due to a connection with specific protected grounds, such as race or gender. It can take various forms, including:

• Direct discrimination: Explicit unfavorable treatment based on a protected characteristic.
• Indirect discrimination: Policies or practices that appear neutral but disproportionately disadvantage a particular group.
• Harassment and sexual harassment: Conduct that violates dignity or creates a hostile environment.
• Instructions to discriminate: Ordering or encouraging discriminatory behavior.

Discrimination can be illegal or unfair but not necessarily unlawful in all contexts; for example, differential treatment based on performance is not discrimination. It is also recognized as a public health issue, as experiencing discrimination can cause significant stress and negative emotional and physical health effects.

In summary, discrimination is unfair treatment based on perceived group membership that results in inequality and harm to individuals' rights and dignity.