Discrimination and its forms or modalities

Discrimination means treating a person unfairly because of who they are or because they possess certain characteristics. It is the unfair or prejudicial treatment of people

or group based on characteristics such as race, age or sexual orientation.

Grounds of Discrimination:

1)     Race

2)     Color

3)     Ancestry

4)     National Origin

5)     Marital Status

6)     Religion

7)     Familial Status

8)     Age

9)     Sexual Orientation

Forms of Discrimination:

a. Racism

It is a belief that particular race is superior or inferior to another and a person's social and moral traits are predetermined by his or her inborn biological characteristics. It takes many forms and can happen in many places and includes prejudice, discrimination or hatred directed at someone because of their color, ethnicity or national origin. It includes all the barrier that prevent people from enjoying dignity and equality because of their race. It hurts people freedom and dignity.

b. Religion or belief discrimination

It is treating a person or group differently because of the particular beliefs which they hold about a religion. It is related to the religious persecution. It can take place in the form of harassment, direct discrimination. The societies where there is Freedom of Religion, this type of discrimination is easily found.

c. Gender Discrimination

It is also known as sexism or sex discrimination. It is defined as the prejudice based on the sex. According to CEDAW, gender discrimination is any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex. In patriarchal society, women are discriminated because they have female body.

d. Age Discrimination

It is also known as agism. It is a discrimination against individual or groups on the basis of their age which may be casual or systematic. It includes the discriminatory attitude towards older people, old age and aging process.