Diskriminierungspotenzial

Diskriminierung, or discrimination, refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. It can be overt or subtle and can occur across many spheres of life, including work, education, housing, and public services.

Direct discrimination occurs when a person is explicitly treated less favorably due to a protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination arises when a neutral rule or practice disproportionately disadvantages a protected group, even if there was no intent to harm.

Most jurisdictions prohibit discrimination through constitutional provisions, civil rights laws, and labor or housing regulations. Internationally, instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination address discrimination and its remedies.

Discrimination undermines equal opportunity and can have lasting negative effects on individuals’ economic status, health, and social participation. It also contributes to broader social inequality and erodes trust in institutions, with effects that may accumulate over generations.

Responses include anti-discrimination legislation, affirmative action or inclusive hiring policies, accessibility improvements, and anti-bias education. Effective enforcement, clear reporting mechanisms, and ongoing monitoring are essential to reduce discrimination and promote equal treatment.