What form of discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favorably due to a protected characteristic?

The correct choice refers to a specific form of discrimination where an individual is treated less favorably explicitly because of a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. This type of discrimination is characterized by overt actions or decisions that disadvantage someone based on these attributes.

In essence, direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly in a straightforward manner based on characteristics that society often considers important for equality and fairness. This could manifest in various settings, such as in the workplace or while accessing services. For example, if an employer chooses not to hire an equally qualified candidate purely because of their ethnicity, that is a clear case of direct discrimination.

The other forms described, such as indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimization, involve different dynamics. Indirect discrimination occurs when a policy or practice applies to everyone but disproportionately affects a specific group. Harassment pertains to unwanted behavior linked to a protected characteristic that creates a hostile environment for the recipient. Victimization refers to treating someone unfairly because they have made a complaint or supported someone else’s complaint about discrimination. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing and addressing various forms of unfair treatment in society.