Discrimination in the workplace is a social problem that needs to be addressed. Discrimination can take many forms, including gender, race and religion. Employers should make sure they are aware of all types of discrimination so they can prevent it and address it when it occurs. Discrimination is difficult to fight because it's based on preconceived notions of what is acceptable which makes it hard to challenge. Employers play an essential role in creating a fair and inclusive workplace environment.
Discrimination against women began in the early 20th century as a way to control women's behavior and as a backlash against feminist movements. Back then, women needed their husband's signatures on their paychecks to get paid well. Women would also need to file for divorce so their husbands could keep the pay from their wages. However, when women began earning more money themselves, this introduced new forms of discrimination toward them in the workplace. Employers started refusing female employees' requests for higher wages or better working conditions. Additionally, some women faced sexist language in the workplace or were passed over for promotions or pay raises because someone thought they weren't capable. Today, women make up half of the U.S. working population, but they're still subject to unfair treatment at work.
Employment discrimination against minorities also began in the early 20th century. In the past, many people of color were relegated to lower-paying jobs such as bus drivers or construction workers. However, civil rights movements led to an increase in African Americans' job opportunities and advancement in the workforce in the 1950s and 60th global civil war caused strife among Asian countries led to an influx of Chinese workers into these jobs as well. While these groups have made great strides forward, they are still subject to racial discrimination at work.
Past societal norms have perpetuated unfair treatment toward minorities in the workforce. For instance, some people of Asian descent faced backlash under Japanese rule during World War II as part of the Confinement Posthumous Policies that segregated citizens by ethnicity into labor camps. This forced many people of Asian descent into segregated jobs during the war, perpetuating racial discrimination against them in the workplace for centuries after The Civil War ended. Over time, societal shifts like the Civil Rights Movement led to less racial discrimination in all facets of life, including at work. This has allowed minorities more opportunities and greater representation in all walks of life including employment settings.
Today is a different time with different societal norms regarding discrimination against minorities in the workplace. Minority groups are growing more prominent in all aspects of life due to positive social changes such as feminism and civil rights movements. However, there is still work needed in promoting equal opportunity for all races in all aspects of life including at work. Employers play an essential role in promoting an inclusive workplace by fighting discrimination and fostering an environment that is free of bias toward any group.
