HR Glossary  >   Systemic discrimination

Systemic discrimination

What is Systemic discrimination?

Systematic discrimination is a kind of discrimination that often occurs in an organisation on the basis of race, gender, or disability for a longer period of time. It is expressed through interactions and processes, creating discomfort for people of specific shared characteristics. It is a kind of unfair treatment built into the rules, policies, and ways of a society or an organisation. It can be found in day-to-day businesses as policymakers, employers may automatically include it in decision-making. Systematic discrimination isn’t apparent or straightforward, but it works so that specific groups of individuals are in unfavourable positions.

In most cases, systemic discrimination is not the result of intentional behavior. It occurs from the routine actions of institutions such as employers and service providers. It is the outcome of the procedures, systems, and values that these organizations have developed and put into place. It may effect different aspects of society like employment, financial status, education, health, housing, culture, law enforcement, public infrastructure, and more. Organisations must take necessary steps and eliminate systematic discrimination.

How can you prevent Systemic discrimination?

Several kinds of strategies and initiatives are used at the individual, corporate, and social levels in the complicated and never-ending process of preventing systemic discrimination. Here are a few crucial actions you can take to stop systematic discrimination.

1. Set an equal-opportunity employment policy

Organisations should provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic makeup, which should be clarified in this policy. The policy should state that the company will not tolerate any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.

2. Track progress, monitor turnover

Many organisations use data to solve a variety of problems. They have noticed that having systems for gathering and analysing data helps them make more informed decisions. That's a strategy which can be used for racial equity.

3. Media Representation

Encourage the media to accurately and kindly portray marginalised communities. Diversifying representation can aid in eliminating stereotypes because the media greatly impacts how the public perceives things.

4. Anti-Discrimination Laws

Strengthen and enforce anti-discrimination laws that prohibit discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and disability. These laws should cover various aspects of life, including employment, education, housing, and public services.

5. Public Awareness Campaigns

Campaigns against systemic discrimination eliminate myths, honour diversity, and give people the confidence to speak out against prejudice. They effectively use different media types, such as community partnerships and educational initiatives, to increase awareness and build a culture of inclusion.

6. Education and Awareness Building

Along with the campaigns, public education regarding the background and current issues surrounding systemic discrimination ought to be prioritised. In addition to the campaign, workshops, seminars, and educational materials can be used.

Conclusion

Systemic discrimination is a kind of unfair treatment based on characteristics such as race, gender, or disability. It results from institutional procedures and essential preventative measures, including public awareness campaigns, education, media representation, equal opportunity policies, data tracking, and anti-discrimination laws. Individual, group or society's efforts create a future where everyone receives fair treatment and equal opportunities.

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