Contemporary Society 2019.2: Discrimination Analysis

This assignment, completed for a Contemporary Society course, analyzes the causes of discrimination, particularly focusing on race-based mistreatment among young people. Drawing upon the provided article and sociological concepts from the course, the student explores factors such as fear of the unknown, ignorance, and stereotypes as contributing elements to discrimination. The assignment highlights the importance of understanding these root causes to combat discrimination effectively. It also references supporting evidence from the course readings and includes proper in-text citations and a reference list, adhering to the specified Harvard Western SydU style. The analysis connects the survey findings to broader sociological themes, providing insights into the prevalence and impact of discrimination within society.

Running head: DISCRIMINATION IN SOCIETY
Discrimination in Society
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1DISCRIMINATION IN SOCIETY
Based on a survey that was conducted in Australia, it was recognized that a third of
the younger generation has faced gender some form of gender discrimination (Ford and
Hunjan 2016). There may be multitudes of reasons that these foreign students are facing such
tremendous levels of discrimination. Firstly, discrimination is mainly caused by a
pervading sense of fear and anxiety. This fear is mainly of the unknown. Since the cultures
and religious values of the foreign individuals are completely alien to the native residents,
this may be a great cause of fear for them (Williamson 2013). Thus, when they are forced to
interact and intermingle with the unknown, they face a high level of fear accompanied by
anxiety. This fear also stems from a sense of uncertainty.
Another main cause for discrimination may be ignorance (Whitley & Kite 2016).
This ignorance may be classified as insensitivity towards another individual’s cultures,
ethnicities and backgrounds. For example, as Mavis Tian states that she believes that she is
discriminated against because of her Asian looks. This indicates that certain existing
stereotypes are responsible for this appalling discrimination. This sense of ignorance may
also lead an individual to be uncomfortable and nervous. Thus, in this case it is common for
misunderstandings to take place. Moreover, discrimination may also be evident in gestures.
For instance, as Nancy Li believes that even though no one has said anything discriminatory
directly to her, she feels that the undercurrents are present. Therefore, it can be deduced that
the root causes of discrimination must be explored in great detail in order to uproot this
menace from the surface of the society.

2DISCRIMINATION IN SOCIETY
References
Ford, M & Hunjan, R 2016, A third of young people report race-based mistreatment., viewed
29 August 2019, < https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-06/a-third-of-young-people-report-
race-based-mistreatment/8092926>.
Whitley, B & Kite, M 2016, Psychology of prejudice and discrimination, Routledge.
Williamson, T 2013, Identity and discrimination, John Wiley & Sons.