ETYM Latin discriminatio the contrasting of opposite thoughts.
1. The cognitive process whereby differences between two or more stimuli are perceived.
2. Unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice; SYN. favoritism, favouritism.
Distinction made (social, economic, political, legal) between individuals or groups such that one has the power to treat the other unfavorably. Negative discrimination, often based on stereotype, includes anti-Semitism, apartheid, caste, racism, sexism, and slavery. Positive discrimination, or “affirmative action”, is sometimes practiced in an attempt to counteract the effects of previous long-term discrimination. Minorities and, in some cases, majorities have been targets for discrimination.
Discrimination may be on grounds of difference of color, nationality, religion, politics, culture, class, sex, age, or a combination of such factors. Legislation has been to some degree effective in forbidding racial discrimination, against which there is a United Nations convention 1969.
National legislation in the US includes the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968, the Voting Rights Act 1965, and a movement to add an amendment to the Constitution mandating equal rights for women. + prikaži više