What is the Difference Between Prejudice and Discrimination?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between prejudice and discrimination lies in the fact that prejudice refers to biased thinking, while discrimination consists of actions against a group of people based on those biased thoughts.
Prejudice is an unjustified and baseless attitude towards an individual or group, often resulting from a lack of knowledge, information, or ignorance. It encompasses the cognitive and emotional biases one holds internally towards a group. Some examples of prejudice include having a negative attitude towards people of a certain race, gender, or cultural background.
Discrimination, on the other hand, is the unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on their membership in a particular category, such as age, race, ethnicity, or religion. It can manifest in various ways, including individual actions, institutional policies, or societal systems. Some examples of discrimination include:
- Racial and ethnic discrimination: Refusing to hire someone because of their racial or ethnic background.
- Gender discrimination: Paying a woman less than a man for the same job solely based on gender.
- Age discrimination: Not hiring an older individual because of a belief that they might not be tech-savvy or adapt to new working conditions.
- Disability discrimination: Not providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
In summary, prejudice is an unfavorable opinion or feeling towards a person or group based on their membership in a particular category, while discrimination is the unfair treatment of individuals or groups as a result of those prejudiced beliefs.
Comparative Table: Prejudice vs Discrimination
Here is a table highlighting the differences between prejudice and discrimination:
| Feature | Prejudice | Discrimination |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Prejudice refers to biased thinking and negative attitudes towards a group of people based on their membership in a particular group. | Discrimination consists of actions against a group of people, often resulting in unequal treatment or unfavorable consequences. |
| Nature | Prejudice is an emotional response based on stereotypes and a lack of knowledge or information. | Discrimination can be conscious and may involve intentional actions or decisions. |
| Characteristics | Prejudice involves cognitive and affective components of attitude. | Discrimination involves the behavioral component, which manifests in tangible actions towards other people. |
| Legal Action | Legal actions cannot be taken against prejudice, as it is a personal belief or thought. | Legal actions can be taken against discrimination, as it involves actions or decisions that affect others adversely and are often based on pre-existing laws or regulations. |
| Intersectionality | Prejudice and discrimination can overlap and intersect in various ways, such as unprejudiced nondiscriminators, unprejudiced discriminators, prejudiced nondiscriminators, and prejudiced discriminators. | Understanding the interplay between various forms of prejudice and discrimination is crucial for addressing these issues effectively. |
In summary, prejudice is a biased attitude or thought against a group of people, while discrimination involves actions or decisions that result in unequal treatment or negative consequences for the affected group. Both concepts are interrelated but distinct, and addressing them requires a comprehensive understanding of their intersectionality and manifestations in society.
- Prejudice vs Racism
- Prejudice vs Bias
- Bigotry vs Prejudice
- Discrimination vs Racism
- Stereotype vs Prejudice
- Attitude vs Prejudice
- Segregation vs Discrimination
- Stigma vs Discrimination
- Discrimination vs Harassment
- Direct vs Indirect Discrimination
- Race vs Racism
- Stereotype vs Racism
- Equality vs Diversity
- Disparate Treatment vs Disparate Impact
- Culture vs Diversity
- Diversity vs Multiculturalism
- Diversity vs Inclusion
- Racist vs Bigot
- Perception vs Judgement