Philosophy / 2. Social philosophy
Chalova K.D.
Donetsk National University
of Economics and Trade after M. Tugan-Baranovsky
The problem of
discrimination in modern society
Since the foundation of society the differences between its members -
such as age, gender, membership of a particular social or ethnic group - are
the basis for the distribution of rights and obligations, restrictions or
provide benefits. Absolute equality in the society can not exist, and its aim
is to create a just, sustainable mechanism for ensuring the rights and
responsibilities of each person. The aim of this work is to study and analyze
the problem of discrimination in the society.
Discrimination is the prejudicial and/or
distinguishing treatment of an individual based on their actual or perceived
membership in a certain group or category, such as their race,
gender, sexual
orientation, gender identity,
national
origin, color,
ethnicity, religion, language, disability,
age,socioeconomic
status, or other characteristics. [1]
However, the international document that prohibits discrimination based
on race, color, sex, language, religion, political position or point of view,
national or social origin, property or birth, and place of origin by birth. At
the same time, the differences and differentiation are not completely banned
because it can be objectively justified. There are two forms of discrimination
- direct and indirect.
The principle of equality of the men have been mentioned in the works
of the Greek philosophers. But, as a separate category of human rights (rights
that belong to the man from birth), it occurred in the age of enlightenment,
that is, in the XVIII-th century.
Only in the early twentieth century, humanity has condemned the use of
forced labor of the society on the basis of their belonging to a certain race,
ethnicity, religion - in 1926 adopted the Slavery Convention, which prohibited
the slave trade and the use of slave labor.
One by one, other states have begun to recognize the equality of
people. One example is the article of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, which adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations in 1948. The
American Declaration of Independence in 1776, said that "we believe a
self-evident truth that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by
their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness," the French Declaration of the
Rights of Man established that "all men are born and remain free and equal
in rights" in 1789.
The prohibition of racial discrimination was the status in the
international community need to recognize the phenomenon of discrimination,
contrary to the basic principles of humanity. The obligation to comply with
this rule, therefore, has become a universal Erga Omnes ("obligations for
all" - Latin).
Racial, ethnic or religious differences were psycho-criminogenic
factor, although the motives, intentions, causes of criminal behavior somewhat
discriminatory transformed in response to the intensive implementation of
policies aimed at restoring the rights of racial and ethnic minorities
(Affirmative action) in many states.
Today, the term "hate crime" introduced by legislation in
many countries, it can be regarded as a special kind of legal qualification of
the crimes committed under the influence of extreme feelings of enmity and
hatred towards people of another race, nationality, religion, ethnic origin,
political opinions, sex, age, sexual orientation, or people with special needs.
In the majority of countries, racial hatred as an aggravating
circumstance. In Ukraine criminalize discriminatory offenses established in a
separate article of the Criminal Code (Article 161 of the Criminal Code) by
government.
Thus, it is important to understand that Ukraine has all the
prerequisites for the development of civil society. In Ukraine have been
gradual changes in the mentality of the nation and public opinion is very
sensitive to this issue.
According to the UN, Ukraine had 63rd place in the world (out of 134
countries included in the ranking) to the assessment of relevant indicators of
gender equality in 2010.
But in order to reduce gender discrimination in Ukraine and to build
civil society, goverment must modify the gender order, thus initiating an
effective way to achieve gender equality. Thus, in order to achieve gender
equality in the development of civil society in Ukraine, you have ways to
achieve this equality. According to the map of gender equality adopted by the
European Union, these methods are to ensure equal economic independence for
women and men to improve the coherence of work, private and family life, equal
participation of women and men in decision-making, gender-based violence and
trafficking in human beings, gender stereotypes in society, the promotion of
gender equality outside the EU.
In conclusion we can say thatdiscrimination on any grounds is
unacceptable in a civilized legal community. This problem is acute in our
society, because it leads to discrimination and immoralization of society. If
people treat each other with more respect and tolerance, our world will change.
Literature
1. Discrimination, The
Concise Encyclopedia of Economics, Library of Economics
2. "Did Discrimination Enhance Intelligence of Jews?". National Geographic News. July 18, 2005
3. Kirkpatrick, George R.; Katsiaficas, George N.;
Kirkpatrick, Robert George; Mary Lou Emery (1987). Introduction to critical sociology. Ardent Media. p. 261. ISBN 978-0-8290-1595-9. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
4. Introduction to sociology. 7th ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company Inc, 2009. page 334. Print.
5. "discrimination, definition". Cambridge Dictionaries Online. Cambridge
University. Retrieved 14 January 2013.