Discrimination of Various Vulnerable Groups - Perception Among the Students of the Faculty of Engineering (“Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu)

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this article is to highlight students’ perception of the Faculty of Engineering concerning discrimination, particularly discrimination against certain vulnerable groups. This issue is part of a broader research that aims to assess the attitude of students towards discrimination. The method used in the study is questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire includes scales and subscales for measuring the attitudes of subjects, their emotions, cognitions and behaviors in relation to discrimination in general, and specifically in relation to certain vulnerable groups such as the Roma population, people with HIV/AIDS, people with a different sexual orientation or people with disabilities and mental illness. The main results of our research have demonstrated that the students from engineering believe that there is discrimination within society, including at the level of educational institutions; the most discriminated category is Roma population. These results reflect the importance of training engineering students in the field of ethics and non-discrimination. We conclude that there is a need of such courses in the context of promoting inclusive societies and of the rebirth of business ethics education at an international level.