What it is
In basic 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 countries protect people from this treatment through equality laws, such as Canada’s Human Rights Act or Germany’s General Equal Treatment Act.
Beyond these personal traits, people can also face discrimination because of their education. This happens when someone is judged or refused job opportunities simply because they do not have a university degree, or because they attended a normal public school instead of an expensive private school.
Discrimination is not just about bad individual behaviour. Instead, it is built into laws, institutions, and everyday societal systems. These unfair systems give extra power to dominant groups while keeping weaker groups at a disadvantage. By limiting access to essential human rights—like good schools, fair jobs, housing, and medical care—systemic discrimination creates lasting inequality and prevents marginalised people from taking part fully in society.
Personal stories
Pooja’s story: Pooja is a talented graphic designer. Instead of attending a famous university, she learned her skills through workplace experience and online courses. When Pooja applied for a design job at a large company, her application was rejected immediately because she did not hold a university degree. She had a stronger portfolio of work than many other applicants, but the company's automated hiring system dropped her application. Strict educational requirements can create unfair barriers for skilled workers.
Stefan’s story: Stefan is a father who decided to take six months of paternity leave to care for his newborn daughter. His partner returned to her full-time job after their daughter was born. When Stefan told his employer, several colleagues made negative comments. They assumed that he was not serious about his responsibility to the company. On returning to work, Stefan noticed that he was not chosen to lead a major project. The position went to a colleague who was less experienced, but who had not taken family leave. Traditional gender expectations at work can have negative effects for individuals who become primary caregivers at home.
Some broader issues
Economic inequality: At the local level, prejudice causes unfair job markets and unequal housing. For instance, women often earn less money than men for doing the same job, and immigrant workers experience similar pay gaps. At the same time, companies might reject applications from skilled workers simply because they did not go to famous universities.
Gender expectations: Beyond unequal pay, traditional gender roles continue to limit people's opportunities at home and in the workplace. Women are often expected to handle most unpaid caregiving and housework, which can restrict their career growth and leadership roles. At the same time, men and non-binary individuals may face social pressure or prejudice when entering non-traditional roles, showing how rigid gender expectations harm everyone.
Social division: In the same way, ethnic minorities and low-income families often struggle to rent apartments or get loans from banks. Social media, mass media, and negative stereotypes make this unfair treatment seem normal, dividing communities and limiting opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
Historical impacts: At the global level, discrimination is deeply connected to history, international migration, and global business. For example, historical colonialism created racial hierarchies and ideologies that still influence public attitudes and global institutions today.
Migrant rights: Today, economic problems force millions of people to move from poorer countries to richer nations to find jobs. However, international immigration laws often label these migrants as "unskilled" or "illegal." Consequently, foreign workers frequently face legal discrimination, lack basic workplace rights, and experience anti-foreigner hostility in their new countries.
Combined impacts: Discrimination becomes even stronger when a person experiences multiple types of prejudice at the same time. For example, an older immigrant woman or a disabled person from a low-income family might face layered barriers in employment, housing, and healthcare. Because these different identities overlap, these individuals often experience much greater unfairness than someone facing only one form of discrimination.
(1) Domestic history: 日本に残る差別問題とは？歴史や現状と対策について解説
(2) Racial prejudice: 黒人差別の問題｜アメリカと日本での差別の歴史と私たちにできること
(3) Basic concepts: BBC Bitesize. (14 September 2022). What is discrimination? https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z8yjdp3#zfpxxbk
(4) Social inequality: National Geographic Kids. (no date). Let's make a change: Inequality! https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/kids-club/cool-kids/general-kids-club/lets-make-a-change-inequality/
(5) Individual reflection: Hannah Sung. (29 January 2024). Racism: How to challenge your own biases. United Way Greater Toronto. https://www.unitedwaygt.org/life/4-ways-self-reflection-can-combat-racism/
(1) Personal experiences: Real Voice Tokyo from Taku. (15 January 2024). What's It Like Being Indian Raised in Japan? Personal Perspectives. (8 minutes 9 seconds). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYBe-YUVi70&t=62s
(2) Systemic awareness: Australian Human Rights Commission. (11 July 2022). Racism. It Stops With Me – Ask yourself the hard questions. (3 minutes 19 seconds). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-5ezuQmVm0
(3) Global perspective: Deutsche Welle News. (21 March 2023). Racism, bias, and discrimination in Germany. (3 minutes 20 seconds). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brAoihWbTxw&t=10s
What do you find interesting, surprising, or worrying about Discrimination issues?
What specific issue do you want to research further regarding Discrimination? Why?
What focus do you want to take in your inquiry:
Individual: Personal experiences and perspectives
Local: Situations and issues in a local community, town, or city
Organisational: Actions taken by local or regional organisations
Systemic: Law, policy, human rights, or international frameworks
Combined: A mixture of multiple angles
4. Write down your initial research questions and your next steps.