Which term describes outward treatment of a person based on group membership rather than individual merit?

• A. Perspective
• B. Perception
• C. Discrimination
• D. Assumptions

Answer: (C)

Treating someone differently because of group membership rather than their individual merit is discrimination. This describes actions, policies, or practices that unfairly favor or penalize people based on characteristics like race, gender, religion, or other group traits, instead of evaluating them on their own abilities or actions. Perspective is about someone’s point of view, and perception is how someone interprets what they see or hear; both concern thoughts or interpretations rather than how someone is treated. Assumptions are beliefs formed without full evidence, which can lead to biased thoughts, but discrimination is the actual unequal treatment that results from those biases. For example, denying a qualified person a job because of their background is discrimination, not merely a viewpoint or an assumption.