Every visible trait that makes you seem different from the rest of the in-group counts as a 'demerit.' - Are you a woman in a male dominated field? -1 - Are y

Every visible trait that makes you seem different from the rest of the in-group counts as a 'demerit.' - Are you a woman in a male dominated field? -1 - Are you a racial minority relative to the dominant group? -1 - Do you take time off in a 24/7 work culture? -1 - Are you gay? -1 - Are you transgender? -1 - Do you have a physical disability? -1 . . . If you have enough of these, then the group will likely reject you, and will also rationalize your rejection along the lines of performance or poor 'fit.' Groups have to take specific proactive steps to prevent this kind of behaviour from emerging naturally. What can you do to help? If you see evidence of discriminatory behaviour: denounce it immediately and publicly.