Stereotypes, Prejudice And Discrimination In The Workplace

Prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination have become somewhat of a social norm in our current society. Without thinking many of us, if not all, subject people into categories and make judgments upon them at first glance. By doing so we believe we gain a better, more accurate understanding of the world. Whilst all three (stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination) are all interconnected, they each have their own definition. Prejudice involves an unjustified or incorrect attitude towards an individual based solely on the group which they identify in, whether it be, age, gender or ethnic background. Discrimination is a behaviour, towards an individual or group of people, whilst a Stereotype is a fixed, over generalised belief about a particular
However there has been much debate over whether or not tattoos are acceptable for the workplace. Visible tattoos have often been the cause for many capable people not being hired for a job. Employers attitudes are key in this judgement, and whilst not all view tattoos in negative light, many do. Why? Tattoos are a personal decision and are applied for many reasons, including, yet not limited to, religious purposes, simply because they are pleasing to the eye, or represent a sense of empowerment, they can be in memory of a past loved one or show affiliation to a particular group. With all these reasons and more, along with the new culture in which tattoos are becoming more and more supported, why would an employer resist hiring someone covered in body
In some ways this function is outlined as self defence mechanism used to protect egos, by defending a choice, decision or way of life.
The Self-Expressive function operates with the key point to voice ones opinions and believes, which they put into practise themselves. The main purpose of this function is to feel the satisfaction of openly expressing ourselves to share a particular belief and finally, the Knowledge function, this function is allows the use of prior knowledge and experiences in the forming of an opinion. It is the use of facts and wisdom and part ordeals to predict and underwent our world and its future fate. It is vital to acknowledge that many people may share the same attitude but serve very different functions for each, likewise to note that one attitude can serve more than one function.
These functions in relation to prejudice and discrimination against tattoo’s in a workplace relate directly to the Instrumental function, in the sense that the said employer may feel if he hires someone with tattoos he may “scare off customers” or “give the wrong impression” to potential business associates, but adapting the instrumental function the employer is minimising potential penalties to their