What is the term for the denial of opportunities to individuals based on characteristics such as race or gender?

The term that encompasses the denial of opportunities to individuals based on characteristics such as race or gender is discrimination. Discrimination refers specifically to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, often motivated by bias against various inherent traits, including but not limited to race, gender, age, and disability.

In the context of business and society, discrimination can manifest in various forms, such as unequal pay, biased hiring practices, and lack of access to promotions or professional development based on these characteristics. Understanding discrimination is essential for fostering equitable environments in workplaces and communities, highlighting the importance of policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion.

Segregation typically relates to the separation of groups, often seen in historical contexts regarding race but does not directly address the denial of opportunities. Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or biases that are not based on reason or actual experience, while exclusion often pertains to the act of leaving someone out rather than the broader discriminatory practices that deny opportunities based on specific traits. Consequently, discrimination is the most encompassing term to describe the denial of opportunities based on characteristics such as race or gender.