Philosophical Perspectives Shape Policies Against Workplace Discrimination Targeting LGBTQ Employees
What is LGBTQ Discrimination?
LGBTQ discrimination refers to unfair treatment toward people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, non-binary, genderqueer, etc., based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, rather than their job performance or qualifications. This includes refusing employment, harassment, demotion, pay disparities, stereotyping, microaggressions, lack of resources, exclusion from groups, denial of benefits, and more. It may be direct (overt) or indirect (implicit), intentional (discriminatory) or unintentional (bias).
How Philosophy Influences Policy?
Theories shape policies against workplace discrimination because they provide ethical foundations for how society should act, including in matters such as justice, fairness, rights, freedoms, and morality. These theories include utilitarianism, Kant's Categorical Imperative, Rawls' Justice as Fairness, virtue ethics, social contract theory, feminist ethics, communitarianism, and cosmopolitanism.
Utilitarianism
This perspective focuses on the consequences of an action, weighing its utility against its cost, considering both individuals and the community. Accordingly, it argues that anti-discrimination laws are justified if they maximize overall happiness/utility. Thus, LGBTQ employees have the right to equal opportunity, security, and benefits; while businesses have the right to hire whoever is best qualified for the job.
Kant's Categorical Imperative
This approach requires people to treat others as ends in themselves and never only means to other ends. Therefore, discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity violates human dignity and autonomy. Consequently, anti-discrimination laws are necessary to protect individuals from harm.
This view also permits exceptions when there are conflicting duties or no alternative solutions.
Rawls' Justice as Fairness
This perspective emphasizes fairness by evaluating outcomes using two principles: (1) each person has equal moral worth and deserves equal basic liberties, and (2) social and economic inequalities must be to everyone's advantage. Anti-discrimination policies are thus needed to ensure a level playing field and promote equality of opportunity.
Virtue Ethics
This theory prioritizes virtuous character traits, such as honesty, courage, loyalty, respect, integrity, wisdom, justice, temperance, compassion, and self-control. Since discrimination harms LGBTQ persons morally, workplaces should cultivate these values and hold accountable those who engage in them.
Social Contract Theory
This view posits that society exists because people agree to abide by its rules and institutions, including contractual obligations that govern relationships between citizens and their government. Discrimination violates this agreement; therefore, anti-discrimination laws exist to enforce it.
Feminist Ethics
This approach argues that discrimination against women is rooted in sexism, which perpetuates male dominance over female subordination. Similarly, homophobia stems from heterosexism, normalizing heterosexuality as the only acceptable form of sexual orientation. Therefore, all forms of oppression must be eliminated through policies prohibiting discrimination based on gender/sexual identity.
Communitarianism
This perspective stresses the importance of community, with individuals owing duties to one another for mutual benefit. Anti-discrimination laws protect not just individuals but also communities affected by prejudice, allowing everyone to freely pursue careers without fear of unfair treatment.
Cosmopolitanism
This outlook views humans as interconnected global citizens, calling for international cooperation to promote human flourishing. Anti-discrimination policies align with this goal by promoting tolerance and inclusion across borders.
Philosophical perspectives shape policies against LGBTQ workplace discrimination by influencing how we understand justice, fairness, equality, and humanity. By addressing these values, they help create a more inclusive society where people can thrive regardless of their identities or backgrounds.
How do philosophical perspectives shape policies against workplace discrimination targeting LGBTQ employees?
Philosophical perspectives play a significant role in shaping policies that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) employees from discrimination in the workplace. The idea of equality is central to most philosophical approaches to social justice, which emphasizes the need for all individuals to be treated fairly and equally regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.