Book Review: Discrimination
| Author | Vera Bermingham |
| Published date | 01 March 1995 |
| Date | 01 March 1995 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/135822919500100111 |
| Subject Matter | Book Reviews |
91
DISCRIMINATION.
Michael
Banton.
Open
University Press,
1994.
96
pp
+
Index.
£8.99.
Discrimination, as as the title
of
this book might suggest, is a clear
and uncluttered introduction to this concept in the social sciences and
in the protection
of
human rights. The book is mainly concerned with
discrimination on grounds
of
race and sex, but it also discusses dis-
crimination on other grounds, including those
of
age, disability and
sexual orientation. It provides an accessible and balanced overview
of
the definition and analysis
of
discrimination and the effectiveness
of
the law in combating it.
In
making the analysis Michael Banton has
distilled the economic, psychological and sociological theories
of
dis-
crimination and presented them in a simple and straightforward
manner. Technical terms are explained as they are encountered and
each chapter contains a conclusion which summarises the main points
which have been discussed. These features make this book one which
is ideal for student use. It should also be helpful to anyone who is
interested in the subject and to those engaged in developing and
implementing equal opportunities policies.
The introductory chapter starts by dealing with the problems
of
defining discrimination. It highlights the confusion which results
when the parties to such a dispute rely upon a definition
of
discrim-
ination which combines an objective component and a moral judge-
ment. It also considers the further confusion which results where dis-
crimination is defined at the outset as being both bad and unlawful.
This chapter argues for defining discrimination objectively and distin-
guishing
it
from
moral
judgments
about
its
justifiability.
In
order
to
determine whether or not an action is discriminatory, the importance
of
indicating the basis
of
differential treatment is illustrated.
In
pro-
moting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, the United
Nations Charter (1945) has declared a number
of
possible grounds
for discrimination. Additions were made to the original list and it
was implied that this could be extended further. For legal purposes,
whether or not a particular ground is listed is shown to be crucial.
Nevertheless, the need for social analysis to look beyond the grounds
upon which the United Nations Charter will promote human rights
and fundamental freedoms, is illustrated by focusing on the value
of
examining discrimination which is lawful.
In outlining the background and nature
of
discrimination Ban-
ton's approach is grounded in a theoretical perspective which draws
upon the social sciences to analyse its various aspects. He explains
that discrimination is one possible cause
of
disadvantage or inequality
which may be identified as the prime cause only
if
other possibilities
have been eliminated. He then goes on to provide a helpful example
To continue reading
Request your trial