Equality North East » Resources

Glossary

This section of the website is used to catalogue definitions of terms used throughout this website. To select a word, choose the initial letter of the word below.

Glossary Terms beginning with the letter S :

Segregation
The process or practice of separating groups on the basis of culture or race. Segregation can occur voluntarily orinvoluntarily, be formal or informal.
Service Provider
A business or organisation covered by the provisions of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which came into effect on 1 October 1999.
Sexism
Sexism describes discrimination against someone on the grounds of their gender.
Sexual Harrassment
Sexual Harrassment is the unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature. This includes comments about the way you look, indecent remarks, questions or comments about your sex life, requests for sexual favours, sexual demands by a member of your own or opposite sex, any conduct of a sexual nature which creates an intimidating, hostile or humiliating work environment for you. It is now clear that a single remark or incident can, if sufficiently serious, can amount to sexual harrassment.
Sexual orientation
Sexual orientation refers to a person's sexuality. Commonly used terms for people whose sexual preference is for people of the same sex as themselves are homosexual, gay and lesbian. Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation is not covered by the Sex Discrimination Act.
Social Exclusion
Where individuals or groups are not able to participate fully in society because of unemployment, low skill levels, poverty, bad health, poor housing or other factors. Social Inclusion is about removing the barriers and factors which lead to exclusion so people can participate.
Stereotyping
Acting on assumptions about any role which is suitable for men or women.
Substantial (adverse effect)
Under the DDA 1995, a substantial adverse effect is something which is more than a minor or trivial effect and goes beyond the normal differences between people. (Disability Rights Commission)