Sex Discrimination
What Does Sex Discrimination Mean?
Sex discrimination (or gender discrimination) is the practice of treating individuals of one sex less favorably than those of the opposite sex. In many countries, it is considered a violation of human rights.
Insuranceopedia Explains Sex Discrimination
Although the terms “sex discrimination” and “gender discrimination” are often used interchangeably, the concepts of sex and gender have evolved and diverged in recent decades. “Sex” now generally refers to physiological characteristics, such as genitalia and secondary sexual traits, while “gender” often refers to social categories like “man” or “woman” rather than the physiological features traditionally associated with them.
Political movements, such as human rights and feminism, have made significant strides in addressing sex- or gender-based discrimination in various aspects of life, including the workplace.
However, in the world of insurance, some forms of sex discrimination still persist, particularly in the underwriting process. In many states, for instance, insurers charge male drivers higher premiums than female drivers. This differentiated pricing is based on statistical analyses indicating that men are more likely to be involved in accidents, or more severe accidents than women.
