Discrimination

Definition

Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on certain characteristics, such as race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status. This concept is crucial in understanding how societal inequalities can impact individuals’ access to opportunities and resources, leading to a range of outcomes including crime and deviance. Discrimination can manifest in various forms, from systemic practices to individual biases, affecting marginalized groups and contributing to social strain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Discrimination can lead to social strain by limiting individuals' access to opportunities, which may increase their likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior as a means of coping.
2. In societies where discrimination is prevalent, feelings of alienation and frustration can emerge among marginalized groups, potentially resulting in increased crime rates.
3. Strain theory posits that individuals who experience discrimination may feel pressured to resort to deviant behaviors when they perceive legitimate means to achieve their goals are blocked.
4. Anomie often arises in contexts of widespread discrimination, as individuals may feel disconnected from societal norms that do not reflect their experiences or struggles.
5. Efforts to combat discrimination are essential for promoting social cohesion and reducing crime by fostering environments where all individuals have equal access to opportunities.

Review Questions

• How does discrimination contribute to social strain among marginalized communities?
  • Discrimination creates barriers that limit access to resources and opportunities for marginalized communities, leading to feelings of frustration and alienation. This social strain can push individuals toward deviant behaviors as they attempt to cope with the inequalities they face. In essence, when people feel blocked from achieving their goals due to unjust treatment, they may resort to alternative means, including criminal activities.
• Discuss the relationship between anomie and discrimination in a societal context.
  • Anomie is often linked to discrimination as it reflects a breakdown of societal norms that fails to recognize the diverse experiences of individuals facing inequality. When discrimination is widespread, many people may feel disconnected from the norms and values that govern acceptable behavior. This disconnection can lead to confusion about what is deemed acceptable, resulting in increased rates of deviance and crime as individuals navigate a society that marginalizes them.
• Evaluate the impact of systemic discrimination on crime rates within different communities.
  • Systemic discrimination significantly impacts crime rates by creating environments where certain groups have limited access to economic opportunities and social mobility. This lack of access can foster resentment and frustration among affected populations, leading to higher incidences of crime as individuals feel compelled to seek alternative methods for achieving their goals. Moreover, systemic barriers perpetuate cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement that further entrench criminal behavior within these communities, illustrating the profound link between discrimination and crime.

Related terms

Social Strain: A situation in which individuals experience stress or frustration due to societal pressures and limitations that hinder their ability to achieve culturally approved goals.

Anomie: A state of normlessness or breakdown of social norms, often resulting from rapid social change or disintegration, leading to confusion about acceptable behavior.

Inequality: The unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges within a society, which often stems from systemic discrimination.