Vietnamese university refuses to admit students who are ‘too short’; understanding the psychological impact of height discrimination | Lifestyle News

The school announced that female students must be at least 1.58 meters tall and male students at least 1.65 meters tall to be considered for admission this year, the report added. It also mentioned that some exceptional cases would also be accepted.

This policy not only raises ethical doubts but it also sheds light on a larger issue: the impact of height prejudice on individuals’ self-esteem and career opportunities.

Impact on career aspirations and long-term economic opportunities

As societies grapple with evolving notions of inclusiveness and equality, the persistence of physical demands in various settings poses a challenge to our progress. Neha Parashar, a clinical psychologist at MindTalk in Cadabam, agrees that height-based demands in work environments can have “far-reaching consequences for an individual’s professional career development and long-term economic well-being.”

Arbitrarily limiting access to certain careers based on height can create a significant barrier to entry for otherwise qualified individuals. This restriction not only narrows career choices but can also lead to underemployment, a situation in which individuals are forced to accept positions below their skill level due to a lack of adequate alternatives.

She adds: “Underemployment, in turn, often results in lower salaries and reduced job satisfaction, as individuals may feel unfulfilled or undervalued in their roles. In addition, height discrimination can create an invisible barrier to career advancement, commonly referred to as the glass ceiling.”

Repeated exposure to prejudice and exclusion based on height can lead to a “range of negative emotions.” (Source: Freepik)

The psychological impact of height discrimination

Height discrimination is not just a matter of physical stature; it can have profound psychological consequences, Parashar emphasizes. Repeated exposure to prejudice and exclusion based on height can lead to “a range of negative emotions,” including “inadequacy, shame, and low self-esteem.” These feelings can go beyond the workplace and permeate various aspects of life, including social interactions, romantic relationships, and overall self-perception.

In the workplace, he says, height discrimination can create a hostile environment, resulting in decreased productivity, withdrawal from social interactions and a general lack of self-confidence.

International laws or regulations on discrimination based on height

Parashar reveals, “The legal landscape around height discrimination varies greatly around the world. While several countries have enacted laws to protect individuals from discrimination based on physical characteristics, including height, the effectiveness of these laws is often limited.”

In some cases, enforcement mechanisms are weakor the laws contain loopholes that allow discrimination based on height to persist under the guise of “job requirements.” Moreover, even in countries with solid legal frameworks, deeply ingrained attitudes and social prejudices can be slow to change.

Cultural attitudes towards growth in India

“In India, cultural perceptions of height are nuanced and multifaceted,” says Parashar. While height may not be a major factor in traditional social hierarchies, it does have some significance in certain contexts.

For example, some regions or communities may associate taller height with desire, especially in the context of marriage. However, these cultural prejudices gradually evolveand height is becoming less and less of a decisive factor in social interactions and relationships.

Parashar notes, “Implementing height-based requirements in Indian workplaces can be challenging given the country’s diverse cultural landscape. There can be significant resistance from those who perceive such requirements as discriminatory and unnecessary.”