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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Nov 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Unfair treatment based on characteristics
Relegating a group to society's edge
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Impact
Affects opportunities and rights
Affects social status, access to resources
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Relationship
Can lead to marginalization
Often the outcome of prolonged discrimination
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Discrimination and Marginalization Definitions
Discrimination
Unjust treatment based on personal traits.
Refusing to hire someone because of their ethnicity is discrimination.
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Marginalization
Relegation to the fringes of society.
Economic marginalization can lead to poverty and social unrest.
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Discrimination
Unfair treatment on the basis of identity.
Age discrimination is a significant concern in hiring practices.
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Marginalization
Reducing the importance or influence of a group.
The marginalization of artists in society often stifles creativity.
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Discrimination
Biased actions against a specific group.
Racial discrimination affects many aspects of life.
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Marginalization
Pushing a group to the periphery of social, economic, or political life.
Marginalization in the workplace can lead to a lack of diversity.
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Discrimination
Differentiation unfavorably against a person or group.
Gender discrimination in the workplace limits opportunities.
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Marginalization
Exclusion from meaningful participation in society.
The marginalization of indigenous communities is a critical issue.
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Marginalization
Systematic sidelining of a group.
Marginalization in education limits future opportunities for certain groups.
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Discrimination
The ability or power to see or make fine distinctions; discernment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Marginalization
To relegate or confine to a lower or outer limit or edge, as of social standing.
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Discrimination
Treatment or consideration based on class or category, such as race or gender, rather than individual merit; partiality or prejudice.
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Discrimination
Discernment, the act of discriminating, discerning, distinguishing, noting or perceiving differences between things, with the intent to understand rightly and make correct decisions.
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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
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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
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Discrimination
(uncountable) The quality of being discriminating; acute discernment, especially in matters of good taste.
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Discrimination
That which discriminates; a distinguishing mark, a characteristic.
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Discrimination
The act of discriminating, distinguishing, or noting and marking differences.
To make an anxious discrimination between the miracle absolute and providential.
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Discrimination
The state of being discriminated, distinguished, or set apart.
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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.
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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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Discrimination
Unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice
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Discrimination
The cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are distinguished
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Discrimination
Prejudice resulting in unequal treatment.
Discrimination against individuals with disabilities is unlawful.
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Nov 29, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is marginalization always deliberate?
It can be either a result of deliberate actions or systemic issues.
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What are common grounds for discrimination?
Race, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation, among others.
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Can discrimination be unintentional?
Yes, sometimes it occurs without conscious awareness.
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What is discrimination?
Unfair treatment of individuals based on specific characteristics.
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What can lead to marginalization?
Systemic discrimination, social prejudices, and economic disparities.
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What does marginalization mean?
Pushing a group to the outer edges of societal involvement.
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How does marginalization affect communities?
It limits their access to resources, rights, and opportunities.
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Can a single act constitute discrimination?
Yes, even a single act can be discriminatory.
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Can marginalization be reversed?
Yes, through inclusive policies and societal change.
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How is marginalization related to power dynamics?
It often stems from power imbalances in society.
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Is marginalization a form of discrimination?
It's more the result of ongoing discrimination.
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How is discrimination addressed legally?
Through anti-discrimination laws and policies.
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What is an example of direct discrimination?
Refusing service to someone because of their race.
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What role do education and awareness play in addressing discrimination?
They are crucial for changing attitudes and dismantling prejudices.
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Does marginalization only affect minorities?
Primarily, but it can also affect any socially excluded group.
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What are long-term effects of marginalization?
Reduced socioeconomic mobility and chronic social exclusion.
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Nov 29, 2023
How does marginalization impact mental health?
It can lead to feelings of helplessness and depression.
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Can discrimination be systemic?
Yes, it can be ingrained in societal systems and institutions.
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Nov 29, 2023
Can discrimination be based on socioeconomic status?
Yes, this is often referred to as class discrimination.
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How can individuals fight discrimination?
Through awareness, education, and advocating for equal rights.
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Nov 29, 2023
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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.
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