Today we are looking at B2 C1 C2 English Vocabulary: Bias. Bias is a word that often causes lots of confusion. Let’s take a look at it’s meaning and uses.
Bias
- If someone is bias, they support or oppose a particular person or thing in an unfair way.
- It is quite common for people to be biased towards people they feel are similar to them.
- Judges are not allowed to be biased. They must always be neutral.
Bias towards or against someone or something
- If someone is biased towards, it means that they favor a certain person or group over another one.
- In the example below, note that bias is the reason behind why someone may make a sexist decision.
- It was quite normal in the past for businesses to hire men over women due to bias. They felt more comfortable working with people who were like them. Today, people are confronting these biases and hiring the person that is best for the position.
- In the following example, bias against a certain group of people or person means that you hold negative feelings about them.
- If I walk into a room and there is a group of men and a group of women, I naturally go towards the women as I am biased against men.
- It is clear that the hiring process is showing a bias against latinos applicants.
Bias vs Racism
- Bias shows a preference for or against someone.
- Racism has a number of meaning and cannot be simplified in just one sentence. Having said that, it is usually based on the idea that one group is more intelligent or superior to another culture. Hatred but also unjust policies and treatment are often defined as racist.
- It is important to note that many biases if not checked may lead to racism, sexism, homophobia and forms of hatred.
Most people are not aware of their biases, but all of us have them. It is important for everyone to know what their biases are and why they may be favoring one person or group of people over another. Once you know what they are, you can start the work of breaking them down in order to treat everyone in a just way.
There are many websites that can help you address unconscious biases in the workplace, in schools and in your everyday life.
English Vocabulary
Know that you have seen B2 C1 C2 English Vocabulary: Bias, check out our other Vocab Rehab posts.
Vocab Rehab: Lend Borrow
Vocab Rehab: Work, job, career
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