Discrimination

Basic Information in Japanese

Basic Information in English

AI Overview in easy-to-understand English 

(Gemini-generated; edited over multiple interactions)

What It Is

     In general terms, discrimination happens when people are treated unfairly because of “protected characteristics,” such as their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity, or marriage and civil partnership. For example, gender discrimination means treating someone unfairly or making negative assumptions about them simply because they are a man, a woman, or non-binary. Many societies outline these protections through laws of equality and non-discrimination, such as Canada (Canadian Human Rights Act, 1977) and Germany (General Equal Treatment Act, 2006). Bias can also happen because of a person’s educational background. This occurs when people are judged or denied opportunities because they do not have a university degree, or because they studied at a less famous publicly funded school rather than a private high school.

     However, discrimination is more than just personal prejudice between individuals. Instead, it is built into societal systems, laws, and institutions. These unfair systems give power and privileges to dominant groups while keeping marginalised groups at a disadvantage. By restricting people’s access to basic human rights—such as education, fair employment, decent housing, and healthcare—systemic discrimination reinforces long-term social inequality and prevents disadvantaged individuals and groups from participating equally and fully in society.

Broader Issues

     Discrimination operates as both a local and global issue, linking everyday personal experiences with international systems. 

     At the local level, prejudice leads to unequal job markets and housing discrimination. For instance, women are often paid less than men for doing the same work (the gender pay gap), and immigrant workers face similar wage differences. At the same time, employers might ignore job applications from talented people just because they did not attend top-ranked universities. Similarly, ethnic minorities or low-income families may face discrimination when trying to rent housing or access bank loans. Local media and social stereotypes often reinforce these biases, making unfair treatment seem normal, dividing communities, and limiting opportunities for marginalised individuals and communities.

     At the global level, discrimination is shaped by historical patterns, international migration, and global economic systems. For instance, historical colonialism created racial hierarchies that still influence global attitudes. Today, global economic inequalities force millions of people to migrate from poorer nations to wealthier countries in search of work. However, global immigration policies often classify these migrants as “unskilled” or “illegal.” As a result, foreign workers frequently face legal discrimination, lack basic labour rights, and experience anti-foreigner prejudice (or “xenophobia”) in host nations. Furthermore, multinational companies sometimes exploit weak labour laws in developing countries, paying low wages to workers—who are often mostly women—who have few protections, while global economic systems frequently devalue educational qualifications from lower-income nations.

Sharing Your Initial Thoughts

1. Which points in the What It Is section and/or the Broader Issues overview do you find the most interesting, and which points do you have questions about? Why?

2. Do you disagree with any points in the AI Overview? If so, which point(s), and why?

3. Share your ideas about 1. and 2. with (an)other student(s).

Developing Your Own Critical Inquiry

1. What do you find interesting, surprising, or worrying about Discrimination Issues?

2. What do you want to find out about Discrimination Issues? Why?

3. What focus do you want to take in your inquiry:

• People's individual experiences and perspectives? 

• Situations and issues in a local community, town or city?

• Different actions taken by local or regional organisations and actors? 

• Law, policy, human rights, political issues, or systemic changes at the national/international levels?

• A mixture of angles and viewpoints?

4. What are your starting questions and next steps?