Discrimination

If prejudice describes attitudes and opinions, discrimination refers to actual behaviour towards another group or individual. Discrimination can be seen in practices that disqualify members of one group from opportunities open to others as when a person is refused a job because of their gender or religion.

Discrimination can be very hard to prove because it may not be open or explicitly stated. Discriminatory behaviour or practices may be presented as motivated by other more justifiable, reasons rather than prejudice. For example the person who is refused a job because of their caste may be told that they were less qualified than others and that the selection was done purely on merit.

Sociology App

Discrimination