Diversity & Discrimination in the Workplace

Here's an article I found by Lauren Nelson( eHow Contributor) on some of the common forms of discrimination that take place in an work environment. 

 

The demographic face of America is evolving at a rapid pace. With this surge in diversity comes a need for cultural sensitivity. In instances where this sensitivity is absent or has failed, discrimination can be a problem. This has become an important issue in the world of business.

Gender Discrimination

1. While women may have gained suffrage at the turn of the century, gender discrimination is still a prominent issue in the workplace today. According to statistics from the Department of Labor in 2008, women now make up over 46 percent of the workforce, but still face prejudice. Traditionally, this manifests in three areas--income, sexual harassment, and familyprejudice.
   
   Women are still the victims of income discrimination. Market Watch reports that women today earn only part of what men earn. According to an April 2010 article from Market Watch, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the average weekly income for a woman is $665, which is only 79 percent of the average weekly male income of $884.
   
   Sexual harassment is an additional problem in the workplace. Research conducted by Louis Harris and Associates in 2008 found that 31 percent of women studied reported being the victim of unwanted sexual attention while at work.
   
   Family prejudice is another form of discrimination for women at work. Women may be discriminated against by being denied promotions or being fired because of family obligations or pregnancy. In fact, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's statistics for 1997 to 2009 show that pregnancy discrimination is one of the fastest growing forms of gender discrimination today.

Racial Discrimination

2. America has always been considered a bit of a melting pot, but for the first time, it appears as though Caucasian Americans will soon become the minority. 2008 Census Bureau Data suggests that by the year 2042, racial groups typically associated with the term "minority" will become the majority, as their presence will collectively outnumber the amount of self-identified Caucasians. This expansion has led to hiring discrimination. For example, advocacy group Think Progress reported in April 2010 that recent legislation passed in Arizona gives public school officials the ability to fire someone with a "heavy accent," and has been largely received as a xenophobic measure to combat the increasing Hispanic population in the state.

Sexual Orientation Discrimination

3. The past decade has witnessed an increasing tolerance for members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered, or GLBT, community. The most recent data, coming from a 2002 Gallup poll, suggests that nearly one in five Americans identify as openly homosexual. While public sentiment toward this community has improved over the years, discrimination is still a problem. Statistics revealed in a 2007 Trib Live article show that, "23 percent of gay employees have been harassed at work, 12 percent have been denied promotions, and nine percent were fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Age

4. Individuals of all ages are in the workforce, ranging from high school graduates to senior citizens. Research conducted by Kelley Services and CareerBuilder.com in 2007 found that, "21 percent of employees age 50 and older reported they have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment in the workplace. More than one third of respondents said they experienced this type of treatment at least once a week." In 63 percent of these cases, the individuals in question were not held accountable for their actions.

Anti-Discrimination Laws

5. There are a variety of laws in place to protect members of this diverse workforce from discrimination. On a federal level, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 and the Civil Rights Act of 1991 can all be used to defend your rights. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission can help you understand these rights and file complaints against offending employers. It is important to look into the laws in your state as well, as additional regulations may provide further protection.