Discrimination vs. Marginalization: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Discrimination is unfair treatment based on personal characteristics, while marginalization is relegating a group to a lower or outer edge of society.

Key Differences
Discrimination involves treating someone unfavorably because of specific characteristics, such as race or gender. Marginalization refers to pushing a group to the fringes of society, limiting their access to resources and opportunities.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Discrimination can be overt or subtle, impacting individual opportunities and rights. Marginalization, on the other hand, is often a broader societal issue, affecting groups by diminishing their social status and influence.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Discrimination is an action or a series of actions, whereas marginalization is more of a condition or status resulting from prolonged discrimination and social exclusion.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Discrimination may lead to marginalization, as consistent discriminatory practices can push a group to the periphery of society. Marginalization is the extended outcome of systemic discrimination.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
In essence, discrimination is a cause, while marginalization is an effect. Discrimination is about unfair treatment, and marginalization is about the resultant social and economic exclusion.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Unfair treatment based on characteristics
Relegating a group to society's edge

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Impact
Affects opportunities and rights
Affects social status, access to resources

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Relationship
Can lead to marginalization
Often the outcome of prolonged discrimination

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Discrimination and Marginalization Definitions
Discrimination
Unjust treatment based on personal traits.
Refusing to hire someone because of their ethnicity is discrimination.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Marginalization
Relegation to the fringes of society.
Economic marginalization can lead to poverty and social unrest.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Discrimination
Unfair treatment on the basis of identity.
Age discrimination is a significant concern in hiring practices.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Marginalization
Reducing the importance or influence of a group.
The marginalization of artists in society often stifles creativity.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Discrimination
Biased actions against a specific group.
Racial discrimination affects many aspects of life.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Marginalization
Pushing a group to the periphery of social, economic, or political life.
Marginalization in the workplace can lead to a lack of diversity.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Discrimination
Differentiation unfavorably against a person or group.
Gender discrimination in the workplace limits opportunities.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Marginalization
Exclusion from meaningful participation in society.
The marginalization of indigenous communities is a critical issue.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Marginalization
Systematic sidelining of a group.
Marginalization in education limits future opportunities for certain groups.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Discrimination
The ability or power to see or make fine distinctions; discernment.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Marginalization
To relegate or confine to a lower or outer limit or edge, as of social standing.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
Treatment or consideration based on class or category, such as race or gender, rather than individual merit; partiality or prejudice.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
Discernment, the act of discriminating, discerning, distinguishing, noting or perceiving differences between things, with the intent to understand rightly and make correct decisions.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Marginalization
The social process of becoming or being made marginal (especially as a group within the larger society);
The marginalization of the underclass
The marginalization of literature

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
Differential treatment of an individual or group to their disadvantage; treatment or consideration based on class or category rather than individual merit; partiality; prejudice; bigotry.
Sexual or racial discrimination
Reverse discrimination

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
(uncountable) The quality of being discriminating; acute discernment, especially in matters of good taste.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
That which discriminates; a distinguishing mark, a characteristic.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
The act of discriminating, distinguishing, or noting and marking differences.
To make an anxious discrimination between the miracle absolute and providential.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
The state of being discriminated, distinguished, or set apart.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
The arbitrary imposition of unequal tariffs for substantially the same service.
A difference in rates, not based upon any corresponding difference in cost, constitutes a case of discrimination.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
The quality of being discriminating; faculty of nicely distinguishing; acute discernment; as, to show great discrimination in the choice of means.

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
Unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
The cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are distinguished

Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
Prejudice resulting in unequal treatment.
Discrimination against individuals with disabilities is unlawful.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is marginalization always deliberate?
It can be either a result of deliberate actions or systemic issues.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What are common grounds for discrimination?
Race, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation, among others.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can discrimination be unintentional?
Yes, sometimes it occurs without conscious awareness.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What is discrimination?
Unfair treatment of individuals based on specific characteristics.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What can lead to marginalization?
Systemic discrimination, social prejudices, and economic disparities.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What does marginalization mean?
Pushing a group to the outer edges of societal involvement.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
How does marginalization affect communities?
It limits their access to resources, rights, and opportunities.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can a single act constitute discrimination?
Yes, even a single act can be discriminatory.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can marginalization be reversed?
Yes, through inclusive policies and societal change.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
How is marginalization related to power dynamics?
It often stems from power imbalances in society.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Is marginalization a form of discrimination?
It's more the result of ongoing discrimination.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
How is discrimination addressed legally?
Through anti-discrimination laws and policies.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What is an example of direct discrimination?
Refusing service to someone because of their race.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What role do education and awareness play in addressing discrimination?
They are crucial for changing attitudes and dismantling prejudices.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Does marginalization only affect minorities?
Primarily, but it can also affect any socially excluded group.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
What are long-term effects of marginalization?
Reduced socioeconomic mobility and chronic social exclusion.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
How does marginalization impact mental health?
It can lead to feelings of helplessness and depression.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can discrimination be systemic?
Yes, it can be ingrained in societal systems and institutions.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Can discrimination be based on socioeconomic status?
Yes, this is often referred to as class discrimination.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
How can individuals fight discrimination?
Through awareness, education, and advocating for equal rights.

Shumaila Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author

Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.