Examples of discrimination in society today | Psychology and Sociology for MCAT PDF Download

Introduction

Discrimination is a pervasive issue that plagues societies worldwide, manifesting in various forms such as prejudice and unequal treatment. Social stratification, characterized by disparities in wealth, power, and status, often perpetuates discrimination against certain individuals or social groups. This article explores the different facets of discrimination, focusing on its presence in the workplace, the experiences of marginalized groups, and the ongoing efforts to combat inequality.

Discrimination in the Workplace

Wage Inequality
Inequities in salary distribution based on factors like gender and race continue to persist. Salary differences are evident when comparing different genders and racial groups, with men generally earning more than women, and Whites earning more than Blacks and Hispanics. However, there are gradual improvements in narrowing these gaps, attributed to factors such as increased education levels and improved social policies.

Occupational Disparities
Occupations with higher prestige or status tend to offer higher salaries. Unfortunately, women face lower average incomes than men across various job categories. This gender gap is further compounded by an ethnic salary gap, leading to challenges faced by Hispanic women, who often fall below the federal poverty level. Additionally, a higher proportion of White women occupy high-status occupations, while Hispanic women are more likely to be limited to low-earning jobs.

Bias in Job Market
Discrimination also rears its ugly head during the job search process. A study conducted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, highlighted racial and criminal record biases. Identical resumes were submitted by pairs of college men, differing only in one aspect: one team included a candidate who had served time for drug possession. The results showed that men without a criminal record were significantly more likely to receive callbacks, and White men with a criminal record were more likely to be offered a job compared to African American men with clean records.

Minority Groups and Marginalization:

Dominant and Minority Groups
Sociologically, discrimination is perpetuated by dominant groups that hold power, privilege, and high social status. The dominant group does not necessarily constitute the majority numerically, as a small dominant group can still exert control over the majority. In contrast, minority groups experience unequal treatment and marginalization, occupying powerless positions within society. They are socially excluded, disadvantaged, and often pushed to the fringes.

Fighting Back against Discrimination:

Gender Equality Movements
Many marginalized social groups actively fight for their rights and strive to effect positive change. One notable success story is the gender equality movement. Recent achievements include the recognition of third gender categories in national censuses, as exemplified by India and Nepal. Furthermore, universities across the United States have implemented third gender or neutral bathrooms to accommodate individuals who do not identify with traditional male or female gender categories.

Evolving Definitions of Gender
The concept of gender is undergoing significant transformation. Facebook, for instance, allows users to select from up to 50 gender options when identifying themselves. The term "cisgender" describes individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth. This inclusive approach acknowledges diverse gender identities beyond the traditional male or female categories. However, implementing such nuanced gender identification in official census surveys poses challenges.

Importance of Inclusion in Census Surveys:

Recognizing Marginalized Populations
The absence of inclusive gender options in census surveys hinders our understanding of the true size of the transgender population. Marginalized groups often face invisibility, leaving them underserved and at risk of discrimination. For instance, transgender individuals may hide their gender or transition to avoid mistreatment. Homeless shelters segregated by binary gender categories disregard the needs of transgender people, leading to their exclusion from city evaluations and support services.

Conclusion

Discrimination persists in society, with prejudice and unequal treatment affecting various aspects of individuals' lives. The workplace showcases wage inequalities and biases in hiring processes, disproportionately impacting women and minority groups. Marginalized populations experience social exclusion and are denied equal opportunities. However, movements advocating for equality and inclusivity have achieved significant milestones, challenging the status quo. It is crucial to continue fostering awareness, empathy, and systemic change to eradicate discrimination and create a more just and inclusive society for all.