What Is Positive Discrimination in Religion?

Positive discrimination in religion means giving someone an advantage because of their religion, often with the aim of helping a group that has experienced disadvantage. For example, an organisation might give applicants from an underrepresented religious group priority when offering a place or opportunity.

Why is it debated?

Supporters may argue that treating everyone identically does not always address the effects of past prejudice. Prejudice means judging people unfairly before knowing them. Giving a disadvantaged group extra support could help them access opportunities they have previously been denied.

Critics may argue that choosing someone because of their religion is unfair to other applicants. They may believe opportunities should depend on each person's circumstances and suitability, rather than religious identity. This creates a question for GCSE Religious Studies: does fairness mean treating everyone the same, or taking steps to address existing inequality?

Positive action is different

Be careful not to confuse positive discrimination with positive action. Positive action aims to reduce disadvantage or encourage participation without automatically giving someone an opportunity because of their religion. For example, inviting people from an underrepresented religious community to apply is different from guaranteeing them a place ahead of other applicants. In the UK, positive discrimination is generally unlawful in many settings, while some forms of positive action are permitted.

In Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice, connect the issue to equality and freedom of religion. Religious believers may disagree about the best way to put those principles into practice. In an exam answer, explain the specific action you mean: supporting equal access and giving someone automatic preference are not the same thing.