Statistical Discrimination

Statistical Discrimination is a type of bias that is not based on individual viewpoint, life experiences or common teachings. It is based exclusively on numbers gathered from data in areas of statistics such as crime, schools, death and birth rates, marriage, and community demographics (Baumle, A. ,2008). Our daily lives have been analyzed by professionals in an effort to seek out data through statistical analysis. From this data, it results in specifics concerning various groups. When one uses this statistical information as a way to stero type or judge an individual based off of info from the group analysis it can be classified as statistical discrimination.

Unconscious bias occurs when an employer takes stero typical viewpoints, thoughts, or perceived notions about a group of people to influence decisions to promote, pay, or hire competent individuals associated with the group (Moule, J. ,2009, January 4). Unconscious Bias discrimination could be seen in the example of the one and only black employee that does all of the duties as a supervisor but white counterparts have not promoted him to the title due to the cultural stigma of a all white management staff . Some employers may not consider themselves as racially discriminating but make these unconscious decisions within their organization.

These two types of discrimination are similar in that they are unintentional means of discrimination. The employer is not deliberately trying to discriminate against the employees (Moule, J. ,2009, January 4). The differences can be plainly seen in comparing the two. Statistical information is usually produced by government agencies group's etc. and presumed as factual but should not be used in the prerequisites of hiring practices (Baumle, A. ,2008). Unconscious Bias uses information in society in the form of personal experiences and societal influences. An employer should not discriminate against an individual because of religion, sex or race, or sexual origin etc. and should not use this in their hiring or employment practices.

In my opinion these theories support the need for antidiscrimination laws and policies. Discrimination rules, laws, and regulations are definitely needed in our society. If Affirmative Action and Civil Rights Laws had not been passed a lot of opportunities may not have been allotted to certain individuals. Rules and regulations are set so that there are guidelines in which companies follow and order is maintained. With this said there are no workplace laws that should be abolished. This is shown in the many litigations that we see still even up under the current laws set.

The current laws have made a great effort to combat discrimination. Instead of adding more laws to the vast portfolio that are already in existence we need to improve upon them. We need to make sure that the laws are enforced correctly as well as the punishments are fitting for the violation.