Problem
Discrimination against left-handedness
Other Names:
SinistralityRectocentrism
Sinistromanualism
Sinistromanualistic language
Active prejudice towards left-handed people
Nature:
In a world dominated by right-handedness (preferential and predominant use of the right hand) left-handed people are discriminated against. Traditionally, humanity has looked upon left-handedness as a defect; since Roman times the left has been "sinister". This discrimination may be as overt as mocking left-handers and forcing them to switch to the use of their right hand, or covert, such as the lack of proper equipment (from scissors to baseball gloves to industrial machines) for left-handed use. Many countries in the east look on the left hand as unclean and discourage its use in society. Parents often go out of their way to discourage their children from predominant left-handed usage. Reproaching children for their left-handedness may lead to emotional problems, nervousness, and a poor self-image. Certain terms stigmatize, are offensive to, or discriminate against people who are left-handed (eg gauche, righteous). Broader Problems:
Cultural discrimination Related Problems:
Limb disorders Strategies:
Reducing discrimination against left-handedness Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST