Which term describes the unequal treatment stemming from an individual's membership in a minority group?

The term that best describes the unequal treatment stemming from an individual's membership in a minority group is individual discrimination. This concept refers to specific actions or behaviors by individuals that target members of minority groups, resulting in disadvantage or discrimination. It highlights how personal attitudes, beliefs, and actions play a role in perpetuating inequality on a case-by-case basis.

Individual discrimination can manifest in various settings, such as in employment, education, or social interactions, where individuals may face overt or subtle forms of bias due to their identity, such as race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. For instance, if someone is denied a job solely because of their racial background, that is an example of individual discrimination. The focus is on the direct interaction and impact one person has on another, rather than broader systems or structures.

In contrast, institutional discrimination refers to policies and practices within organizations or social institutions that result in unequal treatment of specific groups. Systemic bias encompasses broader societal patterns that create inequalities, while social inequality addresses the overall disparities in wealth, resources, and power among different social groups. Understanding individual discrimination is critical, as it emphasizes the human element and personal responsibility involved in perpetuating societal inequalities.