ISMs - DEI Learning Hub

ISMs

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Classism

Classism is discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping on the basis of perceived, or actual, socioeconomic status or class. Classism is the systemic oppression of people from lower socio-economic statuses to advantage and strengthen the people from upper socio-economic statuses. It is the systemic designation of characteristics of value and capability based on social class.

Racism

Racism is the discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping on the basis of perceived, or actual, race and/or racial identity. Racism can often lead to the belief that race is the number one determining factor of human traits and capacities and that racial differences create an intrinsic superiority of a particular race.

Sexism

Sexism is discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping on the basis of perceived, or actual, binary gender (male/female) and societal stereotypes surrounding the binary gender system. The beliefs around the fundamental nature of men and women and the roles they ‘should’ perform in society are linked to sexism. Gender stereotypes, which are the result of sexist assumptions about women and men, can place one gender above the other.

Ageism

Ageism is discrimination and prejudice based on age, including generational assumptions, and it manifests in various forms such as stereotypes, assumptions, and exclusion. Ageism highlights the tendency of societies or individuals to disregard the valuable contributions and experiences of individuals based

Saneism

Sanism is discrimination and prejudice based on mental health, including assumptions about mental illness and neurodivergence. It manifests in various forms such as stigma, discrimination, and exclusion. Sanism highlights the tendency of societies or individuals to disregard individuals’ valuable contributions and experiences based on their mental health status and to focus instead on negative stereotypes and assumptions. This can profoundly impact individuals with mental health challenges, leading to feelings of shame, isolation, and a lack of understanding.

Ableism

Ableism is the bias, discrimination, or stereotyping based on physical and/or intellectual ability; also includes the spectrum and neuro divergence. Ableism is a pervasive societal attitude and practice that discriminates against individuals with disabilities, perpetuating the belief that people with disabilities are inferior to those without. It manifests in various forms, from subtle prejudices to outright discrimination, limiting the opportunities and access that individuals with disabilities have in different aspects of life.

Heterosexism

Heterosexism is discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation, specifically favoring heterosexuality over other sexual orientations. It manifests in various forms such as homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. Heterosexism highlights the tendency of societies or individuals to devalue and exclude individuals based on their sexual orientation, perpetuating negative stereotypes and assumptions. This can have profound effects on LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and a lack of acceptance. Heterosexism denies the valuable contributions and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, creating barriers to equality and social inclusion.

Cisgenderism

Cisgenderism is the bias, discrimination, or stereotyping based on an individual’s alignment with the gender they were assigned at birth. It involves the perception of conforming to traditional gender norms as inherently superior, often resulting in prejudiced attitudes and actions towards those who don’t adhere to these norms. This prejudice manifests in different ways, including the exclusion and marginalization of individuals who identify outside of the cisgender spectrum. It reinforces harmful stereotypes, fuels gender-based inequalities, and undermines the self-esteem of those who don’t fit within the confines of cisnormativity.

Religious Imperialism

Elitism is discrimination on the basis of status, which includes factors such as title, professional affiliation, and other markers of social standing. This form of discrimination perpetuates the belief that individuals with certain titles or professional affiliations are inherently superior to others, creating a hierarchical system that can lead to various manifestations of bias. Elitism within this context can manifest in subtle biases or explicit discriminatory practices, impacting individuals’ opportunities and access.

Sizeism

Sizeism is the bias, discrimination, or stereotyping based on body size; also includes the spectrum of body shapes and sizes. Sizeism is a pervasive societal attitude and practice that discriminates against individuals based on their body size, perpetuating the belief that people with larger or smaller bodies are inferior to those with a so-called “ideal” size. It manifests in various forms, from subtle prejudices to outright discrimination, limiting the opportunities and access that individuals with different body sizes have in different aspects of life.

Lookism

Lookism is discrimination, prejudice, or stereotyping based upon physical appearance, including skin tone, body modification, and/or clothing. It is the notion of considering one’s physical appearance or adhering to specific beauty standards as superior, which often leads to discrimination and negative attitudes toward those who do not meet these criteria. This prejudice takes various forms, such as body shaming and exclusion based on looks, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining individuals’ self-esteem.

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism is the belief in the superiority of one’s own nationality, ethnic group or culture, often accompanied by a disregard or negative attitude towards other groups. It manifests in various forms, including xenophobia. Ethnocentrism highlights the tendency of societies or individuals to devalue and exclude individuals based on their ethnic background, or more specifically their nationality, perpetuating negative stereotypes and assumptions. This can have profound effects on marginalized groups, leading to discrimination and a lack of understanding and acceptance. Ethnocentrism denies the valuable contributions and experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating barriers to cultural exchange, harmony, and social cohesion.

Politicism

Politicism is the prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination against individuals based on their political beliefs or perceived political affiliations. It encompasses a range of ideologies and perspectives within the political spectrum. Politicism is a prevalent societal phenomenon that discriminates against individuals based on their political affiliations, fostering the notion that certain political beliefs are superior to others. The prejudice associated with politicism undermines the principles of open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and democratic values, hindering constructive engagement and collaboration within society.

Familialism

Familialism is the prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination against individuals based on their family structure or perceived family arrangements. It is a prevailing societal phenomenon that discriminates against individuals based on their family affiliations, perpetuating the notion that certain family structures are superior to others. This bias can take on various forms, ranging from subtle prejudices to overt discrimination, impacting the opportunities and access that individuals with different family backgrounds have in various aspects of life.