Issue link: http://dsnews.uberflip.com/i/735933
ยป VISIT US ONLINE @ DSNEWS.COM 105 Discrimination and unconscious bias are the forces that deflect diversity and inclusion goals. Crenshaw argues that a key aspect of intersectionality lies in its recognition that multiple oppressions are not each suffered separately but rather as a single, synthesized experience. is has enormous significance at the very practical level of policy making. Discrimination in the workplace negatively affects the ability of a person to succeed at work based on numerous factors. It is a theory often taught by way of an iceberg model: Above the water line are prejudices based on what we can see- race, gender, physical ability and age. Below the water there are still massive areas of discrimination to consider: sexual orientation, class, parental status, religion, education, marital status, geographic background or ancestry, political belief, source of income and working patterns, the list goes on. Our unconscious bias is a preference for or against someone or something. We naturally assign people into categories based on our previous personal experiences. All of us have this to some degree, it does not necessarily mean we will act inappropriately or discriminate. It only means that our first observation will send us certain information and it is up to us to acknowledge our reaction before making a decision. "Discrimination, like traffic through an intersection, may flow in one direction, and it may flow in another. If an accident happens in an intersection, it can be caused by cars traveling from any number of directions and, sometimes, from all of them." at is intersectionality described by Crenshaw. All layers of diversity need to be considered and reconsidered. We have become more inclusive today but there will always be opportunity to reconsider our policies, just as Proctor & Gamble has decided to resign Tracey Norman. "For employers in the housing profession, facilitating diversity ensures that vendors and other partners continue to have access to competent, qualified and talented individuals. In addition to the legal and professional responsibility, it makes good business sense to incorporate diversity and inclusion policies in the workplace." INDUSTRY INSIGHT INDUSTRY INSIGHT