How is 'discrimination' defined?

Discrimination is defined as unjust treatment of individuals or groups, often based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or other attributes. The correct definition emphasizes that this treatment is not just unfair, but it often stems from societal prejudices or systemic inequalities—highlighting the emotional and psychological impact on the individuals who are discriminated against.

Understanding discrimination in this way is crucial in sociology as it enables the analysis of various social issues, including inequality, social justice, and human rights. The other definitions provided do not capture the essence of discrimination; equal treatment and neutral evaluation suggest fairness, rather than highlighting the inherent injustice that discrimination embodies. Promoting equality among social classes relates more to social justice initiatives than to the concept of discrimination itself. Thus, the focus on the unjust aspect is what solidifies the definition as accurately describing discriminatory practices in society.