What is the purpose of asking your race, gender, and ethnicity when applying for things?

Question

So my parents are applying for a mortgage and the guys asks them what's your race, gender and ethnicity. And it was in that moment that I was like why does it matter? My parents make upwards to 200k a year and as long as they can pay their mortgage on time each month (which can be affirmed by their credit) why does it matter that they are Hispanic or black or white or Martian or male or female or trans or whatever like who cares? How does this effect my parents' ability to pay their bills? And when I applied for college for my masters they asked the same questions. How does my gender, race or ethnicity effect my ability to go to your school? Anyway what are your thoughts? Why is this still even a thing?

Accepted Answer

My hubby is a mortgage banker. The government requires they ask to make sure people are practicing fair lending. It was a big problem years ago, banks wouldn't lend to black people. You're allowed to decline answering. :)

Answer

Banks got in real big trouble for denying POC that were otherwise eligible and now they have to report these statistics to the government to make sure they are being compliant. When I worked for a bank a couple years back they had to teach us about that in training.

Answer

I think it has to do with compiling information for statistical and demographic information purposes. I think you always have the option of not answering don't you?

Answer

Basically because they want to make sure discrimination isn't occurring.

Answer

For some places like jobs you have to have a quota of minority employees so if you answer you might get the job based of that over talent and yes I've seen it. Medically there are diseases that are more promenint in some races over others. Example liqueur was way more potent to the natives that the men who brought it to them so much so it was often banned by the leaders of the community. Financially I really don't see the point at all although it could have a legal reason I haven't heard of. Not every time that question is asked is it meant to be offensive. Seriously they also ask about criminal record and military duty and so many other things for those type things.

Answer

I'm gonna add to marina comment and say, it's mainly polling reasons to show that they are "equal opportunity employers" hers where "privilage" comes in for answering those kinds of questions. For example, I'm mixed race mainly Hispanic and white but because I'm "white presenting" not only do I fall into the category of being a minority, but I'm a "loophole"  in a sense to "racist" employers/schools because I look white. I don't think that's as big of a deal now, as it was just a few years ago. But I know with college applications and medical documents it's important to put it down or u can mark decline to state box.

Personally I think if it gets u to where u need to be why be offended by it? Rather it's a good thing or a bad thing it's important to continue your education and career. Even if it means u got be only because of ur race or because a quota needs to be met. At least u will benefit from it somehow

Answer

Usually polling

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I don't see why it's relevant!

Answer

I've always wondered too! I think that it doesn't affect things but there way of getting a statistic of people. Still don't understand why though

What is the purpose of asking your race, gender, and ethnicity when applying for things?

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