Final answer:
Discrimination occurs when action is taken against individuals based on group membership, despite a lack of personal prejudice, due to societal pressures, systemic structures, or economic reasons, especially in labor markets and religious contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person who is not prejudiced may still participate in discrimination due to various social pressures and systemic structures. For instance, an individual may not harbor any personal animosity towards a group based on race, gender, or religion, yet they may engage in discriminatory actions as a result of organizational policies, societal norms, or economic reasons. This can occur in various environments, including but not limited to the workplace, housing, and access to services.
One of the most prevalent forms of discrimination is seen in the labor market. Employees with the same level of education, experience, and expertise may receive different pay or job opportunities strictly based on their race or gender. This discriminatory pay practice undermines the principle of equal work for equal pay.
Another example is religious discrimination, which involves treating someone unfavorably due to their religious beliefs. The law seeks to protect individuals from such discrimination. Nonetheless, discriminatory practices persist, often justified by economic arguments, such as a business's apprehension of losing customers or decreasing worker morale—issues highlighted by economist Gary Becker in his work on discrimination in competitive markets.