Discrimination is a phenomenon widely studied in the field of psychology, which involves treating people unfairly or unequally due to certain personal characteristics. Although discrimination can manifest itself in various ways and in different contexts, there are some forms of discrimination that, unfortunately, are so normalized in society that they often go unnoticed. In this article, we will explore seven commonly normalized forms of discrimination that can have a negative impact on the lives of those affected.
Gender-based discrimination
One of the most common forms of discrimination found in society is discrimination based on gender. This form of discrimination refers to the unequal or unfair treatment that people receive due to their gender identity. Throughout history, women have been victims of discrimination in different areas, including access to job opportunities, equal wages, stereotypical gender roles, and gender-based violence. Although significant progress has been made in the fight for gender equality, discrimination based on gender remains a reality in many parts of the world.
Sexism
Sexism is a form of gender-based discrimination that manifests itself through attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that perpetuate inequality between men and women. This type of discrimination can manifest itself in various forms, such as sexist comments, gender stereotypes, discrimination in the workplace, and inequality in the distribution of household tasks. Sexism not only affects women, but can also have a negative impact on men by perpetuating rigid expectations about what it means to be "masculine" or "feminine".
Discrimination of gender at work
Another form of gender-based discrimination that is common in society is discrimination in the workplace. Women often face obstacles and prejudices in their careers, such as the pay gap, lack of advancement opportunities, and sexual harassment in the workplace. These forms of discrimination not only affect the quality of life of women, but also contribute to perpetuating gender inequality in the workplace.
Racial discrimination
Another form of discrimination Very normalized in society is racial discrimination. This type of discrimination refers to the unfair or unequal treatment that people receive due to their race or ethnicity. Throughout history, people of different races have been victims of discrimination in various aspects of life, such as access to education, housing, employment, and justice. Despite progress in the fight for racial equality, racial discrimination remains a widespread problem in many societies.
Structural racism
Structural racism refers to practices, policies and systems that perpetuate racial discrimination in society. This type of discrimination can manifest itself through racial segregation, racial profiling in law enforcement, racist stereotyping in the media, and discrimination in access to basic services. Structural racism not only impacts the lives of racialized people, but also perpetuates racial inequality in society at large.
Racial discrimination in the justice system
Racial discrimination also manifests itself in the justice system, where people of certain races or ethnicities may face unequal treatment under the law. This form of discrimination is reflected in disproportionately high rates of incarceration of racialized people, racial profiling by law enforcement, and racial biases in sentencing. Racial discrimination in the justice system not only undermines trust in the legal system, but also has serious consequences for affected communities.
Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is another form of discrimination that is very normalized in society. People who do not conform to traditional gender or sexual orientation norms often face discrimination, stigmatization and exclusion in various areas of life, such as work, education, health and family. Despite progress in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity remains a major challenge in many parts of the world.
Homophobia and transphobia
Homophobia and transphobia are forms of discrimination that target LGBTQ+ people due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. These forms of discrimination can manifest themselves through negative attitudes, prejudices, social exclusion, violence and discrimination in access to basic services. Homophobia and transphobia not only have a negative impact on the mental and emotional health of LGBTQ+ people, but also perpetuate discrimination and exclusion in society.
Discrimination based on gender identity in access to health
Another form of commonly normalized discrimination is discrimination based on gender identity in access to health. Transgender and non-binary people often face barriers to accessing appropriate and culturally competent health services, due to lack of sensitivity of health providers, lack of health insurance coverage, discrimination in access to hormonal treatments and gender-affirming surgeries, and the lack of safe spaces to receive medical care. This form of discrimination has serious consequences for the physical and mental health of transgender and non-binary people.
Age discrimination
Age discrimination is another form of discrimination that often happens unnoticed in society. Older people often face negative stereotypes, discrimination in the workplace, lack of access to health services and social exclusions due to their age. Society tends to value youth and marginalize older people, which can have a negative impact on the self-esteem, quality of life and health of older people.
Ageism
Ageism is a form of discrimination based on age that is manifested through attitudes, prejudices and practices that favor younger people at the expense of older people. This form of discrimination can manifest itself in the workplace, where older people often face difficulties finding employment or accessing continuing training opportunities. Ageism can also manifest itself in access to health services, where older people may receive inferior or discriminatory treatment compared to younger people.
Social exclusion of older people
Another form of age discrimination that is common in society is the social exclusion of older people. Older people often experience loneliness, social isolation, and lack of community participation, which can have negative consequences for their emotional and physical well-being. The social exclusion of older people not only affects the individual level, but also has an impact on social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity.
Discrimination due to disability
Discrimination due to disability Disability is another form of discrimination that is widely normalized in society. People with disabilities often face physical, social and emotional barriers that limit their full participation in society. These barriers can manifest themselves in the lack of accessibility in public spaces, discrimination in the workplace, negative stereotypes and limitations in access to health and education services.
Ableism
Ableism It is a form of discrimination based on disability that manifests itself through attitudes, prejudices and practices that favor people without disabilities to the detriment of people with disabilities. This form of discrimination can manifest itself in the lack of access ramps in public buildings, discrimination in the workplace, the lack of accessible transportation services and the lack of representation of people with disabilities in the media. Ableism not only limits the opportunities of people with disabilities, but also perpetuates exclusion and marginalization in society.
Discrimination in access to health services
Another form Discrimination due to disability that is commonly normalized is discrimination in access to health services. People with disabilities often face barriers in accessing appropriate medical services, due to lack of training of health professionals, lack of accessibility in health facilities, discrimination in access to treatments and lack of services tailored to your specific needs. This form of discrimination can have serious consequences for the health and well-being of people with disabilities.
In conclusion, discrimination takes many forms and can manifest itself in various contexts of daily life. It is essential to raise awareness about the forms of discrimination normalized in society in order to combat them and promote equality and social justice. Only through recognition and action against discrimination in all its forms, can we build a more inclusive, equitable and respectful society of diversity.