What is Geographical Discrimination ?

Geographical discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on their location or country of origin. This form of discrimination manifests in various ways, often resulting in exclusion, denial of opportunities, or unfair treatment because of region-specific factors.

Forms and Examples of Geographical Discrimination

This discrimination can arise from racial, regional, or country-specific prejudices and stereotypes, or even due to perceived convenience factors. For instance, in a scenario where two employees are competing for a promotion, a decision based solely on the assumption that someone from a certain city lacks certain professional attributes exemplifies geographical discrimination. If a hiring manager dismisses a candidate simply because they come from a metropolitan area, assuming they won't fit into a company with a rural client base, this decision is based on geographical bias rather than the individual's qualifications or performance.

Another example could involve commute considerations. An employer might favor a candidate living closer to the office over a more qualified candidate living further away, based on the assumption that proximity to the workplace ensures better performance or reliability.

Legality of Geographical Discrimination

Currently, few laws specifically protect against geographical discrimination. Unlike race or religion, a person's location or origin is not widely recognized as a protected class. However, from an ethical standpoint, it is crucial for employers and managers to ensure fair treatment of all employees and candidates, irrespective of their geographical origin or location.