Two high school graduates, both male, apply for a job.One is Mexican-American and the other is majority white.The interviewer believes that Mexican-Americans are more likely to belong to gangs, but does not ask any questions about gang membership or convictions.The interviewer recommends the majority white applicant on the assumption that he was unlikely to be a gang member.A sociologist observing this hiring process would consider the interviewer's reasoning to be a case of

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The interviewer's assumption that Mexican-Americans are more likely to belong to gangs is an example of statistical discrimination, which occurs when assumptions are made about an individual based on their group membership rather than their individual characteristics or qualifications. Gang membership was not discussed, but the interviewer applied a stereotype to the Mexican-American candidate.

Two High School Graduates, Both Male, Apply for a Job