What does ,,indirect discrimination” mean?

During our Erasmus experience, we increasingly come across topics related to diversity and equality. Being in an international environment shows us how different our experiences and needs can be. One concept that particularly caught our attention is indirect discrimination.

What is indirect discrimination?

Indirect discrimination occurs when a seemingly neutral rule, policy, or practice applies to everyone in the same way, but in reality puts certain groups at a disadvantage. What is important is that it does not always result from bad intentions – it is often the effect of not taking differences between people into account.

In other words, we are all treated the same, but we do not all have the same opportunities to meet the same requirements. That is why this type of discrimination is more difficult to notice than direct discrimination.

Examples from everyday life

A good example can be a university that schedules all classes very early in the morning. For many students this is not a problem, but for those who commute, work in the evenings, or have other responsibilities, it can be a serious obstacle. As a result, everyone follows the same rules, but not everyone can realistically meet them.

Another important example is the lack of accessibility for people with disabilities. At first glance, university buildings may seem accessible to everyone, but in reality, the absence of ramps, elevators, or proper facilities can prevent some individuals from fully participating. Similarly, the lack of adapted materials (such as larger print, audio descriptions, or sign language interpretation) can also limit access.

Indirect discrimination can also occur in the workplace. For example, a company may require full availability during standard working hours without offering flexible arrangements. This can be particularly difficult for people with children, caregivers, or those combining work with studies.

We can also notice it in everyday social habits. For example, organizing meetings only in places that do not offer options for different diets (vegetarian, vegan, or religious) can make some people feel uncomfortable or excluded

Indirect discrimination can also appear in assessment methods. For example, limited time for exams may be suitable for most students, but for those who are not fluent in the language of instruction, it can be a real barrier, even if their knowledge is the same. Similarly, having only one type of exam may not reflect different learning styles.

Indirect discrimination can also appear in sports and recreation. If activities are conducted in a very intensive way without alternatives for beginners, less physically fit individuals may feel excluded or discouraged.

We can also observe it in public spaces. A lack of seating areas, rest points, or accessible public transport can exclude elderly people or those with mobility limitations, even if the space is theoretically open to everyone.

It is also visible in communication. If all information is provided only in one language or only in written form, some people may have limited access to important content. In an international environment like Erasmus, this becomes especially noticeable.

Why is it difficult to notice?

One reason is that rules seem “fair” because they are the same for everyone. We often hear that “everyone is treated the same.” However, equal treatment does not always mean fair treatment. Additionally, the lack of bad intentions makes the issue easy to overlook. If no one intended to harm anyone, it is easy to assume that there is no problem. However, what matters is the outcome, not just the intention. Another reason is that people who are not affected often do not notice these barriers. That is why it is so important to consider different perspectives and try to understand the experiences of others.

How can we prevent it?

The first step is awareness. We should ask ourselves whether a given rule truly takes into account different life situations and whether everyone has a real opportunity to benefit from it. To prevent indirect discrimination, we should focus on accessibility and inclusiveness. Sometimes it is enough to change perspective and ask whether a rule works for everyone in practice, not just in theory. Listening to others and their experiences is also essential. Conversations with people from different backgrounds help us notice issues that were previously invisible to us. Diverse perspectives allow us to create fairer solutions. Flexibility is also key – offering alternative ways of learning, working, or participating. Even small changes can significantly improve accessibility and reduce exclusion. More and more often, people talk about universal design, which means creating spaces and systems in a way that makes them accessible to as many people as possible from the very beginning, rather than adjusting them later.

Summary

Indirect discrimination is often difficult to recognize because it does not come from obvious unfairness, but from everyday rules and habits. It is only in an international environment like Erasmus that we begin to see how something that seems neutral to some can be a real barrier for others. Understanding this concept is the first step toward building a more fair and accessible world – both at university and beyond. In practice, it means being more aware of others’ needs and being willing to change solutions that do not work equally well for everyone.