Types Of Discrimination And Examples

Listing types of discrimination and examples by attribute misses the forms it actually takes. These five are how it shows up in practice, and the last three catch employers out most often.

• Direct. Treating someone worse because of the attribute itself. Not shortlisting a candidate once you learn her age.
• Indirect. A rule that looks neutral but disadvantages one group without good reason. Requiring all staff to work Saturdays when the role does not need it.
• Associative. Treating someone worse because of who they are connected to. Overlooking a worker for travel because his partner has a disability.
• Imputed. Acting on an attribute you assume someone has. Withdrawing an offer because you believe a candidate has a health condition.
• Systemic. Patterns built into normal practice that nobody decided. Promotion criteria that quietly reward uninterrupted service.

Indirect and systemic discrimination rarely involve intent, which is why they survive so long. The Australian Human Rights Commission publishes guidance for organisations. This is general information rather than legal advice.

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