OAE Professional Knowledge Exam: Complete Practice Test

Discrimination is defined as the unfair treatment of individuals based on certain characteristics, which often include aspects like race, gender, age, religion, or perceived minority status. The correct answer highlights that discrimination specifically involves actions or attitudes that negatively impact someone due to these perceived differences. This means that when people are treated unjustly because they belong to a particular group, it constitutes discrimination.

The emphasis on "perceived minority status" underscores that even if someone does not belong to a recognized minority group, they can still experience discrimination if they are perceived to do so. This concept is vital in understanding social dynamics and equity in environments such as schools, workplaces, and communities.

In contrast, equality in treatment relates to the ideal that all individuals should receive the same consideration, which is contrary to the essence of discrimination. Fostering cultural integration and promoting diversity and inclusion are positive initiatives that aim to counteract discrimination rather than define it. These actions seek to create environments where varied cultural backgrounds are acknowledged and valued, helping to reduce the prevalence of discriminatory practices.