Diversity

Diversity

Diversity refers to the presence of individual human characteristics that make people different from one another. Some of these individual human characteristics are demographic differences, such as age, gender, sexual-orientation, race, ethnicity, and religion. Diversity and demographic differences can impact individual behavior by creating discrimination, stereotypes and prejudices in the workplace. In my opinion the differences that impact individual behavior the most are age, gender, sexual-orientation, race, and ethnicity.

Age

People's ages in the workplace can range from young as 16 to as old as one would like to work. This range of age differences can create discrimination, stereotypes and prejudices among individuals. Stereotypes and prejudices come from the misperception that as people age their skills and thought processes deteriorates and they are unable to complete their work as effectively and efficiently as some of the younger workers.

According to the United States' government site for equal opportunity, (http://www.eeoc.gov/types/age.html) setting age limits for employment has become common practice among employers. People over the age of 40 years are at the highest risk of age discrimination, but people of all ages can be victims of age discrimination. The government has enacted several bills which were created to discourage and even outlaw age discrimination. In 1967, Congress created the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, protecting individuals over 40 years old against age discrimination. This act protects both employees and job applicants. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, "It shall be unlawful for an employer … to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual's age" (The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1967, Sec. 623).

Two other acts that protect individuals from age discrimination are the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. The Age Discrimination Act protects individuals of all ages from discrimination when applying for programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance, and the Workforce Investment Act protects against age discrimination to individuals applying for Title I-financially assisted programs and activities, and programs that are part of the One-Stop system.

Gender

Like differences in ages, gender differences also impact individual behavior by creating discrimination and stereotypes. For the most part the limitations are set for women. The stereotypical woman works at home, taking care of the children, cleaning house, and cooking meals. Even though that stereotype has changed over the years the perception still holds true and the modern woman still faces discrimination. Like other demographic differences, gender can affect promotions, employment opportunities, and financial aid. Women are also the top victims of sexual harassment in the workplace.

In addition to discrimination, gender differences impact individual behavior by creating limitations, especially in the military. In the United States, women are not allowed to serve in the front lines of war zones, they are not allowed to serve on submarines, and they cannot serve in special warfare teams, such as the Navy SEALS. However, the United States has come a long way in promoting women's rights and allowing women to serve in the military.

Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation is another demographic difference that can impact individual behavior. According to the American Psychological Association's website, Sexual orientation is "an enduring emotional, romantic, sexual attraction to another person. It is easily distinguished from other components of sexuality, including biological sex, gender identity and the social gender role." There are three categories within sexual orientation; heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality. Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior. Unlike sexual behavior, an individual may not express his or her sexual orientation through his or her behaviors. For example, if an individual is a homosexual, that person can choose not to act upon his emotions.

Sexual orientation is a rather recent discussion topic amongst today's society. Although homosexuality has been around for centuries, the debate over the issue is new. The fight for gay and lesbian rights against discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice has only just begun. Many homosexuals are victims of hate crimes based on their sexuality, being assaulted physically, mentally, and sexually or even being murdered.