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Discrimination and unconscious bias are
the forces that deflect diversity and inclusion
goals. Crenshaw argues that a key aspect of
intersectionality lies in its recognition that
multiple oppressions are not each suffered
separately but rather as a single, synthesized
experience. is has enormous significance at
the very practical level of policy making.
Discrimination in the workplace negatively
affects the ability of a person to succeed at
work based on numerous factors. It is a theory
often taught by way of an iceberg model:
Above the water line are prejudices based
on what we can see- race, gender, physical
ability and age. Below the water there are still
massive areas of discrimination to consider:
sexual orientation, class, parental status,
religion, education, marital status, geographic
background or ancestry, political belief, source
of income and working patterns, the list goes
on.
Our unconscious bias is a preference
for or against someone or something. We
naturally assign people into categories based
on our previous personal experiences. All
of us have this to some degree, it does not
necessarily mean we will act inappropriately
or discriminate. It only means that our first
observation will send us certain information
and it is up to us to acknowledge our reaction
before making a decision.
"Discrimination, like traffic through an
intersection, may flow in one direction, and it
may flow in another. If an accident happens
in an intersection, it can be caused by cars
traveling from any number of directions
and, sometimes, from all of them." at is
intersectionality described by Crenshaw. All
layers of diversity need to be considered and
reconsidered. We have become more inclusive
today but there will always be opportunity
to reconsider our policies, just as Proctor
& Gamble has decided to resign Tracey
Norman.
"For employers in the
housing profession,
facilitating diversity
ensures that vendors and
other partners continue to
have access to competent,
qualified and talented
individuals. In addition to
the legal and professional
responsibility, it makes
good business sense to
incorporate diversity and
inclusion policies in the
workplace."
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