What type of discrimination occurs when one individual acts negatively towards another because of social group membership?

The correct response pertains to individual discrimination, which is characterized by direct negative actions taken by one person toward another based on the latter's social group membership. This form of discrimination manifests in personal interactions where one person may harbor prejudices or biases, leading them to treat someone unjustly due to aspects such as race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or other social categorizations.

This concept is distinct from other types of discrimination. For example, institutional discrimination refers to policies and practices within organizations or institutions that can inadvertently disadvantage certain groups. Systemic discrimination encompasses broader societal patterns that perpetuate inequality at various levels, while social discrimination typically refers to broader societal trends in interactions and relationships within social groups rather than individual acts.

In summary, individual discrimination highlights the personal, direct nature of discriminatory behavior, emphasizing how interpersonal biases can translate into negative actions focused on individuals owing to their association with specific social identities.