National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

What is indirect discrimination?

1. A direct negative action based on a protected characteristic

2. A policy that puts those with a protected characteristic at a disadvantage

3. A legal protection against personal biases

4. A hostile environment created by inappropriate conduct

The correct answer is: A policy that puts those with a protected characteristic at a disadvantage

Indirect discrimination occurs when a seemingly neutral policy, practice, or criterion disproportionately disadvantages individuals with a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, age, or disability, even though the policy is not explicitly discriminatory. This means that although the action does not directly target a group, it can lead to unequal outcomes for them. For example, if a workplace has a policy requiring all employees to work full-time hours, this could indirectly discriminate against women who may have childcare responsibilities, making it more difficult for them to meet this requirement. This concept emphasizes the significance of considering the broader implications of policies and practices, beyond their explicit intent. The other options don't capture this idea effectively; option A describes direct discrimination, which is explicitly negative treatment. Option C pertains to legal protections against biases but doesn't define discrimination itself. Option D focuses on creating an unfriendly environment rather than on the structural disadvantages that characterize indirect discrimination.