Is There a Solution to Multiple Discrimination

Is There a Solution to Multiple Discrimination

Multiple discrimination is an issue of major concern. Multiple discrimination describes a situation where an individual experiences discrimination on more than one ground.   This can occur in two different ways; additive or intersectional.   Additive discrimination describes a situation where an individual is discriminated against on more than one ground and these grounds are added on top of each other. Intersectional discrimination explains how an individual’s multiple identities may be the cause of discrimination in such a way that the grounds for discrimination cannot be considered separately.
Having single grounds for discrimination limits the protection available to most vulnerable groups.   Humans are very complex and cannot simply be fitted into a single category of race, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation or ethnic group or disability.   You can have a Black African, Muslim and disabled woman.   As the UK law currently stands, this woman can only claim one ground of discrimination.   This leads to claimants choosing only one ground although they have been violated on multiple grounds.   The American Law has tried to have solutions to this by having a Sex plus Race methodology.   What this means however is that Sex and race are given more merit that other grounds.   This makes it easier for additive discrimination on race plus one methodology.   But intersectional discrimination claims are still unresolved.   What about a black African Muslim woman. How about a black African disabled woman? How about a black African disabled and lesbian woman? These multiple identities give these groups extra need for protection.   Unfortunately, it is complex as there is no common directive to cover such cases nor is there a common definition of multiple discrimination.