University of Central Florida (UCF) SYG2000 Introduction to Sociology Practice Exam 2

Individual discrimination is characterized as the actions of a single person exhibiting bias towards another individual based on characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or other traits. This form of discrimination manifests in personal interactions, where one person's attitudes or behaviors lead to unfair treatment of another. For example, if a hiring manager favors candidates of a specific demographic over equally qualified candidates from other demographics, that scenario exemplifies individual discrimination.

This concept differs from systematic or group-based discrimination, which involves broader societal structures and patterns that perpetuate inequality. Individual discrimination focuses solely on the micro-level interactions between individuals, highlighting the personal biases that can directly impact someone's experiences and opportunities. Understanding this distinction helps to grasp the complexities of discrimination in both personal and societal contexts.