Preference vs. Discrimination — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
Preference refers to a greater liking for one alternative over another or others, highlighting personal choice or taste. Discrimination involves unfairly treating a person or group differently from others, often based on prejudices.
Difference Between Preference and Discrimination
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Preference is a personal or collective inclination towards a choice or option deemed more desirable, based on individual tastes, experiences, or needs. It's subjective and varies widely among individuals. Discrimination, however, signifies an action or a set of actions that segregate, exclude, or harm individuals or groups based on arbitrary criteria such as race, gender, age, or religion, reflecting societal biases and inequalities.
While preferences are inherent to human decision-making, influencing everything from daily choices to significant life decisions, discrimination is a societal issue rooted in power dynamics and prejudices. Preferences contribute to personal identity and cultural diversity, whereas discrimination undermines equality and promotes social division.
Understanding the difference between preference and discrimination is crucial in contexts such as employment, education, and public services, where the line between them can become blurred. For instance, a preference for a certain qualification in a job candidate is legitimate, while discrimination based on irrelevant personal characteristics is not.
Addressing discrimination requires systemic change and awareness, aiming to ensure fairness and equality for all. Recognizing and respecting individual preferences, while challenging discriminatory practices, fosters a more inclusive and equitable society.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A greater liking for one alternative over another.
Unfair treatment based on prejudiced distinctions.
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Basis
Personal taste, experience, or need.
Prejudice against or in favor of a person or group.
Scope
Individual or collective choices.
Societal issue with legal and ethical implications.
Manifestation
In choices of food, clothing, activities, etc.
In hiring practices, access to services, etc.
Impact
Contributes to personal identity and diversity.
Promotes social division and inequality.
Compare with Definitions
Preference
The act of choosing based on likes or dislikes.
Given the preference, he would always choose the window seat.
Discrimination
Embedded in societal structures and institutions.
Systemic discrimination affects entire communities, limiting opportunities.
Preference
An individual's specific liking for something.
Her preference for spicy food was well known.
Discrimination
Deliberate isolation of a person or group.
Historically, discriminatory laws enforced racial segregation in public spaces.
Preference
Preferences shaped by cultural background.
Her preferences in music deeply reflected her cultural heritage.
Discrimination
Treating someone differently based on prejudice.
Discrimination in the workplace can lead to a toxic environment.
Preference
A personal or collective leaning towards an option.
The community showed a strong preference for local candidates in the election.
Discrimination
Acts against principles of equality and justice.
Discrimination based on gender is prohibited by law in many countries.
Preference
Giving priority to one option over others.
In budget allocation, health care took preference over other sectors.
Discrimination
Actions based on biased views against certain groups.
Racial discrimination remains a significant societal issue.
Preference
In psychology, economics and philosophy, preference is a technical term usually used in relation to choosing between alternatives. For example, someone prefers A over B if they would rather choose A than B. Preferences are central to decision theory because of this relation to behavior.
Discrimination
Recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another
Discrimination between right and wrong
Young children have difficulties in making fine discriminations
Preference
The selecting of someone or something over another or others
Has a decided preference for travel by train.
Discrimination
The selection of a signal having a required characteristic, such as frequency or amplitude, by means of a discriminator.
Preference
The right or chance to make a choice
The program offers you the preference to use the mouse or function keys.
Discrimination
The act of discriminating.
Preference
Someone or something so chosen or preferred
What are your musical preferences?.
Discrimination
The ability or power to see or make fine distinctions; discernment.
Preference
The state of being preferred; favor over others
Applicants who received preference for the job.
Discrimination
Treatment or consideration based on class or category, such as race or gender, rather than individual merit; partiality or prejudice.
Preference
A priority of payment given to one or more creditors by an insolvent debtor.
Discrimination
Discernment, the act of discriminating, discerning, distinguishing, noting or perceiving differences between things, with the intent to understand rightly and make correct decisions.
Preference
The right of a creditor to priority of payment.
Discrimination
(uncountable) The quality of being discriminating; acute discernment, especially in matters of good taste.
Preference
The presentation of a case as ready for consideration.
Discrimination
That which discriminates; a distinguishing mark, a characteristic.
Preference
The formal presentation of criminal charges against someone.
Discrimination
The act of discriminating, distinguishing, or noting and marking differences.
To make an anxious discrimination between the miracle absolute and providential.
Preference
The granting of precedence or advantage to one country or group of countries in levying duties or in other matters of international trade.
Discrimination
The state of being discriminated, distinguished, or set apart.
Preference
The selection of one thing or person over others (with the main adposition being "for" in relation to the thing or person, but possibly also "of")
He has a preference for crisp wines.
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.
Preference
The option to so select, and the one selected.
Can I keep my preferences when I upgrade to the new version of this application?
Discrimination
The quality of being discriminating; faculty of nicely distinguishing; acute discernment; as, to show great discrimination in the choice of means.
Preference
The state of being preferred over others.
Discrimination
That which discriminates; mark of distinction.
Preference
A strong liking or personal valuation.
Discrimination
Unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice
Preference
A preferential bias; partiality; discrimination.
Discrimination
The cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are distinguished
Preference
(US) To give preferential treatment to; to give a preference to.
Preference
The act of Preferring, or the state of being preferred; the setting of one thing before another; precedence; higher estimation; predilection; choice; also, the power or opportunity of choosing; as, to give him his preference.
Leave the critics on either side to contend about the preference due to this or that sort of poetry.
Knowledge of things alone gives a value to our reasonings, and preference of one man's knowledge over another's.
Preference
That which is preferred; the object of choice or superior favor; as, which is your preference?
Preference
A strong liking;
My own preference is for good literature
The Irish have a penchant for blarney
Preference
The right or chance to choose;
Given my druthers, I'd eat cake
Preference
Grant of favor or advantage to one over another (especially to a country or countries in matters of international trade, such as levying duties)
Common Curiosities
What is the key difference between preference and discrimination?
Preference is about personal choice, while discrimination involves unfair treatment based on prejudice.
How can organizations avoid discrimination?
Organizations can implement policies that promote diversity and inclusion, provide training on unconscious bias, and ensure equal opportunity in hiring and advancement.
Can a preference be considered discrimination?
A preference can cross into discrimination if it leads to unfair treatment or exclusion based on arbitrary criteria unrelated to merit or relevance.
Is it possible to have preferences without being discriminatory?
Yes, individuals can have personal preferences without being discriminatory, provided these preferences do not lead to unfair treatment of others.
How does discrimination affect society?
Discrimination can lead to social division, inequality, and conflict, undermining social cohesion and the well-being of affected individuals and groups.
What are examples of discrimination?
Examples include racial profiling, gender pay gap, ageism in hiring practices, and denial of services based on gender orientation.
Can laws eliminate discrimination?
Laws can address overt discrimination but may not fully eliminate systemic bias or change societal attitudes; education and cultural change are also needed.
What role do education and awareness play in combating discrimination?
Education and awareness can challenge stereotypes, change attitudes, and foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
Can discrimination ever be justified?
Ethically, discrimination cannot be justified when it infringes on the rights and dignity of others. Contexts that require specific qualifications, like certain job roles, must be carefully distinguished from discriminatory practices.
How does discrimination impact mental health?
Discrimination can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth among affected individuals.
How can individuals challenge discrimination?
Individuals can challenge discrimination by speaking out, supporting affected individuals, educating others, and advocating for inclusive policies and practices.
What is indirect discrimination?
Indirect discrimination occurs when policies or practices that appear neutral have a disproportionately negative effect on a particular group.
Can personal preferences change over time?
Yes, personal preferences can evolve due to new experiences, information, or changes in one's environment or circumstances.
Why is it important to understand the difference between preference and discrimination?
Understanding the difference helps individuals and societies make informed, ethical choices and promotes a more equitable and inclusive environment.
Is discrimination always intentional?
No, discrimination can also be unintentional, stemming from unconscious biases or systemic structures that inadvertently disadvantage certain groups.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
