discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals in the workplace based on certain protected characteristics, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. It occurs when an employer takes adverse actions against an employee or job applicant, such as hiring, firing, promoting, or compensating them differently, solely because of their membership in a protected class.
The concept of employment discrimination is closely tied to various laws and regulations that aim to protect individuals from such unfair treatment. In the United States, for example, the primary federal law addressing employment discrimination is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 196
This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Additionally, other federal laws such as the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) provide protection against discrimination based on age, disability, and genetic information, respectively.
These laws make it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, wages, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. They also prohibit employers from retaliating against individuals who assert their rights or participate in investigations related to employment discrimination.
To enforce these laws, various government agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in the United States, have been established. These agencies investigate complaints of discrimination, mediate disputes, and file lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have been subjected to unlawful discrimination.
Employment discrimination can have significant negative impacts on individuals, including loss of job opportunities, financial hardships, and emotional distress. It undermines the principles of fairness, equality, and diversity in the workplace, and hinders the overall progress of society.