Faasijakauman

Faasijakauman is a term used in Malagasy-language discourse to describe discrimination and segregation within society. It denotes practices and systems that create or reinforce unequal access to resources, rights, and social participation based on identity markers such as ethnicity, language, religion, socioeconomic status, or other categories. Faasijakauman can operate through formal laws and institutions as well as through informal attitudes and everyday interactions.

Scholarly and policy discussions distinguish between de jure segregation (law-based separation) and de facto segregation (practice-based separation). The concept encompasses housing, education, employment, healthcare, political representation, and public services where groups face differential treatment or barriers. It also covers both institutional policies and social norms that maintain unequal status or opportunity.

Impact of faasijakauman includes unequal life chances, reinforced social hierarchies, and diminished social cohesion. Critics argue that discrimination undermines human rights and development by limiting talent and participation. Policy responses emphasize constitutional guarantees of equality, anti-discrimination laws, and efforts to promote inclusive institutions and equal access to services. Proponents of targeted measures argue for affirmative or remedial actions to reduce disparities while balancing fairness and equal treatment.

See also: discrimination, segregation, social inequality, human rights, affirmative action.