What is Discrimination?

S2-SA5-0090

Grade Level:

Class 6

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

Discrimination is when someone treats a person or a group of people unfairly or differently because of their background, appearance, or beliefs. It means judging or treating someone based on stereotypes, not on who they really are as an individual.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine two friends, Rohan and Priya, both want to play cricket. Rohan is chosen immediately because he is a boy, but Priya is told she can only play if there aren't enough boys, even though she bowls much better. This is discrimination because Priya is being treated unfairly just because she is a girl.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's see how discrimination can happen in a school setting:---Step 1: Two students, Anil and Bimal, both score 85% in a science test.---Step 2: Their teacher announces that only students from a certain neighbourhood will be chosen for the school's science club.---Step 3: Anil is from that neighbourhood and gets selected, even though Bimal also scored 85%.---Step 4: Bimal, despite his good score, is not even considered because he lives in a different area.---Step 5: This is discrimination because Bimal is treated unfairly based on his address, not his ability.---Answer: Bimal faced discrimination because his residential area, not his academic performance, determined his selection for the science club.

Why It Matters

Understanding discrimination is important for building a fair society. Lawyers fight against discrimination, journalists report on it, and social scientists study its effects. Knowing about it helps us speak up for fairness and equality in our communities.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Thinking discrimination only happens to people different from me. | CORRECTION: Discrimination can affect anyone, including people who look or sound similar to you, but are treated differently for other reasons like their beliefs or background.

MISTAKE: Believing that if someone means well, their actions can't be discriminatory. | CORRECTION: Even if someone doesn't intend to harm, their actions can still be discriminatory if they result in unfair treatment or disadvantage for a group of people.

MISTAKE: Confusing discrimination with simply having a preference (e.g., preferring mangoes over apples). | CORRECTION: Discrimination is about unfair treatment based on group characteristics, not personal likes or dislikes for inanimate objects or choices that don't harm others.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: A shopkeeper refuses to sell water bottles to children wearing school uniforms from a specific school, saying 'I don't like kids from that school.' Is this discrimination? | ANSWER: Yes, it is discrimination because the children are being treated unfairly based on their association with a particular school, not their individual behaviour or ability to pay.

QUESTION: Your friend says, 'It's okay to make fun of people who wear glasses because they can just take them off.' Explain why this statement is wrong and could lead to discrimination. | ANSWER: This statement is wrong because wearing glasses is often a necessity for clear vision, not a choice. Making fun of someone for a physical trait they need to function can lead to them being excluded or feeling inferior, which is a form of discrimination based on physical appearance or ability.

QUESTION: A housing society has a rule that only families with two children or fewer can live there. A family with three children is denied a flat, even though they can afford it and have good references. Is this an example of discrimination? Explain your reasoning. | ANSWER: Yes, this is an example of discrimination. The family is being treated unfairly and denied housing solely based on the number of children they have, which is a characteristic of their family structure, not their ability to be good tenants or afford the rent.

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of these is the best example of discrimination?

Choosing your favourite flavour of ice cream

A teacher giving extra help to students who ask for it

Not hiring someone for a job because they belong to a certain community, even if they are qualified

Friends deciding to watch a movie together instead of playing a game

The Correct Answer Is:

Option C is the best example because it shows unfair treatment (not hiring) based on someone's community, rather than their skills or qualifications. The other options are about personal preferences or fair assistance.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

In India, the Constitution has laws against discrimination to ensure everyone is treated equally. For example, if a housing society refuses to rent a flat to someone just because of their religion or caste, that is illegal discrimination. People can report such incidents to authorities or seek legal help to ensure their rights are protected.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

UNFAIR: Not just or right | PREJUDICE: A strong dislike or unreasonable opinion formed without enough knowledge | STEREOTYPE: An oversimplified and often negative idea about a group of people | EQUALITY: The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, or opportunities

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Now that you understand what discrimination is, you can learn about 'Stereotypes' and 'Prejudice'. These concepts often lead to discrimination and understanding them will help you identify unfairness around you even better!